Flyers Midseason Report Card: Scott Laughton has become a vital part of the team

Flyers forward Scott Laughton is among the most versatile players on the roster. His gritty style of play makes him valuable as a bottom-six forward, but he has also proven himself as a legitimate scoring option over the course of the past two seasons.

Big names like Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux deservedly own the spotlight in Philadelphia, but Laughton brings a different type of contribution.

The 26-year-old, former first-round pick is a major part of the glue holding this Flyers roster together. After starting the season as the fourth line center, Laughton has effectively moved up and down the lineup amidst injuries and inconsistent play throughout the roster.

He is highly respected among teammates and invaluable for head coach Alain Vigneault. He does whatever is asked of him without a truly established position in the lineup.

Laughton scored a career-high 13 goals in only 49 games last season and followed it up by leading the Flyers in scoring in the Toronto bubble. He has continued the offensive production this season with 14 points in 20 games played.

The highlight of Laughton’s season came on January 30th against the New York Islanders. After the Flyers had blown a two-goal lead in the 3rd period, Laughton buried the OT winner and negated the possibility of a demoralizing collapse.

He was also instrumental in the Flyers comeback win on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres, returning from injury to provide a spark for the team and picking up one assist in the 2nd period.

Laughton will likely get more of an opportunity to show the tenacity and grit that has come to be a hallmark of his game once the Flyers get healthy and regain the luxury of a player of his caliber on the fourth line.

Divisional rivalries will undoubtedly intensify down the stretch given the NHL scheduling format and the battle for playoff spots. Fans should expect Laughton to be in the thick of the rough stuff, especially if he and winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel are rejoined on the same line.

Scott Laughton, once considered a first-round bust, has earned a reputation around the NHL as a tough opponent to face. He is an impending free agent this off-season, likely due for a raise from his current salary at $2.5 million.

The Flyers should recognize Laughton’s contributions and prioritize his value to the team for the remainder of this season and in their long-term plans.