Laughton Lehigh-Bound?

The Flyers have an interesting decision to make in the coming weeks. Top prospect Scott Laughton has made the team out of training camp each of the first two years after being drafted 20^th overall in the 2012 Entry Draft. He played in 5 games as an 18 year old before being returned back to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. Last year, both he and the Flyers were in a difficult position. He was too good for Juniors, but not good (or strong) enough for the NHL game. Since the AHL was not an option, Laughton was returned to the OHL for a fourth year. He responded by increasing his point total by 31. He captained the underwhelming Canadian World Junior team in 2013. He cleaned up the OHL awards, winning best shot, best defensive forward, most dangerous in the goal area, and coming in second for MVP. He should be a lock for the big club, right?

Photo from Philly.com

Historically, the Flyers are slow in bringing up their top prospects. Captain Claude Giroux spent half a season with the Phantoms after Juniors. Stars Mike Richards and Jeff Carter spent a season with the Phantoms, albeit because of the lockout. Sean Couturier played his way onto the team as an 18 year old due to his defensive prowess. Luca Sbisa also made the team as an 18 year old due to the lack of depth on defense.

Laughton projects as a third line checking center that can do some spot duty in the Top-6. He was almost the MVP of the OHL, finishing behind OHL leading scorer and Leafs prospect Connor Brown from the Erie Otters.  Laughton scored 87 points to Brown’s 128. He made up for the difference with his leadership and two-way play.

It is his leadership and two-way play that has reminded people of a former captain, Mike Richards. Richards’ role with the Flyers was primarily as a third line center behind Forsberg/Briere and Carter. Richards took the tough match ups and was the primary penalty killer.

Unfortunately, the current Flyers have a logjam at center. Giroux is clearly the top center; Lecavalier/Schenn both fit best in the second line center spot. Sean Couturier has a lock on the checking center role. That leaves the fourth line center spot up for grabs. Unfortunately, Blair Jones has had an excellent camp and looks to take that spot.  Laughton could play wing, but he is a natural center. Even if he beats out Jones, should the Flyers bury their top prospect on the fourth line?

The Flyers organization wants the Couturier to take a more offensive role. His preseason line with Matt Read and Wayne Simmonds suggests that he will start out as the second line center. The Flyers will not put Lecavalier on the fourth line again. This leaves no spot for Laughton but Lehigh Valley, where he will get top line minutes and develop against professional players.