#4. Laughton remains with the Flyers, for now
"“You heard the rumors from Inez, you can’t believe a word she says,” – Taylor Swift, “Betty” (2020)"
Scott Laughton finally had his breakout year in the 2022-23 season, and heavy trade rumours subsequently followed. The Flyers reportedly received at least one delectable offer that included a first-round pick, but lo and behold, Laughton remains in Philadelphia.
The trade narrative was eventually relinquished as time passed, but it is strange that the team would willingly pass up a top draft pick for a 29-year-old who’s surpassed 32 NHL points only once. Alas, that’s the beauty of rumors; you can’t believe a word they say most times, but this was true.
The truth is also that the Flyers really love Laughton and they know they can rely on him to be a leader and to play in a host of different situations on the ice. All NHL teams need a buzzsaw that can lead by example, and that’s Laughton.
The 2012 first-round pick probably won’t ever live up to his draft status, and that’s fine because it’s impossible to win meaningful games in the National Hockey League without guys who can do the little things.
If a first-round pick just showed up in the Flyers’ inbox, would they want it? Who knows, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the trade rumors started up again at some point in the year.