Charles LeClaire- USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Flyers suffer from no shortage of capable forwards. Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Wayne Simmonds enjoyed noteworthy 2012-2013 seasons, despite the Flyers failing to make the playoffs for just the second time in the last 13 years. With any luck, a new, young forward will emerge; enter Scott Laughton.
Drafted 20th overall during the 2012 NHL draft, the 6-foot-1 center started the first five games with the Flyers during the 2012-2013 season. Despite a spirited effort, Laughton notched zero goals and zero assists during his five game stint. He was sent back to the Oshwa Generals of the OHL for the remainder of the season.
If Laughton was disheartened by his lackluster five game stretch, he got over the heartbreak quickly. With the Generals, Laughton dominated opposing teams. In 49 games, Laughton scored 23 goals and notched 33 assists, totaling 56 points.
While playing in the OHL, Laughton established himself as a two-way center. More importantly for the Flyers, he excelled on defense, playing in a gritty, aggressive manner. His play style is sure to impress Flyers fans.
Prior to his five game stint in the NHL, Laughton signed a three-year, entry level contract, valued at $925,000 per year. The Flyers are struggling to stay within the salary cap guidelines; with a current payroll at $69,153,522, the Flyers are well beyond the $64,300,000 salary cap. An inexpensive forward like Laughton with tremendous upside could prove valuable in terms of saving cap space.
Laughton has a viable chance at cracking the Flyers roster once more come October. The 19 year-old is hoping he can impress the team once more and earn himself a full-time spot of the Flyers roster. Flyers fans should be hoping so as well.
Andrew Fitzgerald is a Philadelphia Flyers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @awfitz. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
