Scott Laughton haunts Flyers in return to Philly

Thursday night’s tilt between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs marked the first time a former Flyer returned to Philly following last season’s trade deadline deal.

Laughton was an influential piece on the Flyers, still drawing praise and admiration from current Flyers like Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim.

Sanheim, in particular, expressed the influence Laughton had on him, stating:

“He was kind of the guy that was always involved, always doing stuff, and dragged guys in. That's something that he has left behind, is us helping out and being a part of the community and doing certain events. That's a credit to him and his character and how he was when he was here."

The comments, as reported by NBC Sports, highlighted just how much the current crop of Flyers stars respect their former longtime Flyer.

Laughton played a total of 661 games in Philadelphia. He was the Flyers' first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, taken 20th overall. Despite the appreciation and love for Philly, Laughton was all business on the ice.

That attitude was patently evident in the third period. The Flyers squandered a 5-on-3 power play, with Laughton tying the game. The former Flyer scored a shorthanded goal on the tail end of said power play, sending the game into overtime.

It was in overtime that the Maple Leafs ended the game. The 2-1 loss did not come without the Flyers’ share of missed opportunities. Trevor Zegras had the game-winner on his stick in overtime, but it was Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby who stymied Zegras’ breakaway opportunity.

Regardless of the game’s outcome, fate played an ironic twist on the Flyers. Anyone in the Maple Leafs lineup could have tied the game late in the third period. But it had to be Laughton, or all people, who made the Flyers pay.

But then again, Laughton is a pro. He knows business is business. He’s doing what the Maple Leafs acquired him to do. If his former teammates were on the receiving end, so be it.

Rick Tocchet drove home this point.

“I know the team loved the guy. It's no different in Toronto, it's the same thing. He's supplying the same thing, the leadership and stuff like that. Those guys are really helpful in the room. On the ice, he obviously works his butt off."

Ultimately, it’s good to see Laughton finding his stride, even if it’s for old time’s sake.