Philadelphia Scott Laughton Needs Return For Flyers This Season – Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

Scott Laughton broke into the NHL as a junior in 2012-13 and has been a regular member of the Philadelphia Flyers roster ever since. For the first time in his 601-game career, things seem to be getting complicated regarding his future with the Orange and Black. The 30-year-old forward is coming off what was his worst season yet, and hasn't improved much in the run-up to the 2024-25 season.

Today, Laughton's job is very secure. Despite being injured for four games, he has never missed a game under coach John Tortorella, who is famous for scratching healthy players. But Laughton may not be safe for long. Improved in the talent department, there is less margin for error than there was in 2023-24. This season enters the makings of the longtime veteran.

Laughton's disappointing 2023-24 season

On the surface, Laughton's previous campaign probably looks good. He had 39 points in 82 games, making him one of the Flyers' leading scorers. Sure, he had a minus-9 average, but that's not too bad for a team that missed the playoffs.

However, advanced metrics tell the real story for Laughton. In terms of expected goal share compared to his teammates, he was one of the worst players in the NHL. When on the ice, the Flyers were worse than their opponents. At even strength, he was outscored 63-45 with a worst expected field goal percentage (xGF%) of 43.0 among forwards. For a team that prides itself on consistently playing the opposition, Laughton didn't get the memo.

To put these metrics into context, Laughton's wins above replacement (WAR) were among the worst in the NHL last season according to the JFresh Hockey model. It's a theme across all the models I've seen: the 30-year-old was one of the best in the world at making his team ineffective.

Lots of trade speculation surrounding Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

It would be… it would definitely be a cheap buy. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/oC7VMu26xy

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 16, 2024

Based on his impact, one could argue that Laughton was a big reason why the Flyers missed the playoffs by such a narrow margin. Although they didn't have enough other slots, the average NHLer would have solved many problems. Unfortunately, the opposition linesmen were eating with him many times.

Resting a few games could have been a huge benefit for Laughton, but again, there weren't many options. He was sixth in solid ice time among the forwards, increasing his poor play. A team on the brink of being locked out of the postseason can only deal with a key player who is expected to give up 57 percent of his goals for so long. The Flyers were driven by their analysis of even strength, but Laughton settled for some of that best and limited the team's upside as a result.

Luchanko Threatens to Laugh

For a while, it looked like Laughton would be given the middle spot at third base this season despite his on-ice struggles. But with all but guaranteed surprise center Jett Luchanko, the Flyers' first-round pick in 2024, making the team, that's no longer the case. Now, there is competition.

Related: Flyers News and Rumors: Luchanko, Zavragin, Preseason Standouts

Luchanko will likely be the Flyers' third-line center to open the season, relegating Laughton to the fourth line (or press box). He is expected to be the bottom left tackle, now competing with Noah Cates and Nicolas Deslauriers for that spot, in theory. Cates had a good 2023-24 campaign, while Deslauriers is an enforcer Tortorella may want to use on occasion.

There will be competition throughout the show, which means that Luchanko is not safe at all. But for the first time, it looks like Laughton is in the recording phase. Unless he improves, that won't change.

It's worth noting that Luchanko isn't a lock to have Philadelphia through the season—there's a lot to be gained. If he can survive 10 games, that will officially burn a year out of his entry-level contract and potentially mean he's on the team permanently. If that ends up happening (far from guaranteed, mind you), then it could be a rocky ride for Laughton.

Why Laughton Matters to Flyers

If hockey was based on analysis and performance on the ice, Laughton would have been sold or bought in a short period of time. However, that's not how sports work.

Laughton is an established leader in the Flyers' locker room and respected throughout the hockey world. An advocate for the LGBTQ+ community by putting a lot of time and effort into the cause, there is no doubt that he is a person with a good heart. The players on the team gravitate to him for a reason—they like to be around him.

Despite his off-ice impact, Laughton may have had a rotten season. That happens to everyone, but the best of them quickly backslide. He's not a lost cause because one of his many NHL campaigns didn't go well. In 2024-25, expect him to return to his normal form and continue his career with the Orange and Black.

Laughton Need Better 2024-25 Season

While we can expect Laughton to return to form, it is up to him to make that happen. He's a member of the deepest bottom-six that will only get deeper in 2025-26 as more prospects graduate to the NHL. With $3 billion over the next two seasons, he could quickly fall out of favor in Philadelphia if he can't play.

To do that, he doesn't need to break any of Wayne Gretzky's records or anything. An ice impact comparable to his 2022-23 season, for example, would be enough. That being said, a return to that form will be a big improvement over what he has shown before. This kind of bounce back could be what the Orange and Black need to avoid tying the franchise record for consecutive playoff misses (five).

No player has gotten the benefit of the doubt like Laughton. He gave his all to the Flyers—for that, he deserves respect. However, his performance in 2024-25 says it all. Can he return to the old player?