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Which teams could pay up to land Scott Laughton at this year’s NHL trade deadline?
The NHL trade deadline is almost here and once again Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton finds himself in trade rumors. With the team out of a playoff race and a lack of centers on the trade market, this could be the perfect time for Danny Briere to get that first-round pick (or more) that the Flyers have wanted for the two-way forward.
Laughton, 30, has a $3 million cap hit through the end of the 2025-26 NHL season. He’s a valuable commodity for teams looking for a cheap, versatile forward who plays a gritty style of hockey.
But where could he land?
Washington Capitals
Laughton has been linked to the Flyers’ Metropolitan Division rivals at a few places now, most recently by Elliotte Friedman on this week’s 32 Thoughts podcast.
The Flyers trading Laughton within the division could be tough to swallow, but the Capitals have both of their first-round picks in the next two drafts. A 2026 first-round pick for Laughton would make sense especially since the Capitals are performing above expectations this season.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have been one of the two Canadian teams reportedly interested in Laughton. Winnipeg isn’t exactly a top destination for free agents so the Jets may be looking to get a player with some term.
Laughton could add some much-needed depth down the middle in Winnipeg and the Jets always seem to have some trouble in the playoffs so their first-round pick may be earlier than some other teams on this list.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs may ultimately be the top destination for Laughton. The Oakville, Ontario native would be making a homecoming of sorts with a chance to help the Leafs to their second playoff series win since losing to the Flyers in the 2004 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The interesting thing about the Leafs is that they could trade a roster player in Fraser Minten in a deal for Laughton or a prospect like Easton Cowan. They also have their first-round pick in 2026.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning haven’t been linked to Laughton but he seems like the type of player that Tampa Bay would covet. The Bolts have the cap space to make the move as well as a first-round pick in 2026.
The Flyers could also potentially look at someone like Connor Geekie, the 6-foot-4 center who was the centerpiece of the Mikhail Sergachev trade. Geekie is a former first-round pick but has just 12 points in 49 games with Tampa Bay this season.
Los Angeles Kings
One of Briere’s first big moves as general manager involved the Kings and Los Angeles could be a sneaky spot for Laughton. The Kings have great depth at center, and forward in general, but getting Laughton would only add to that and allow them to shift youngster Quinton Byfield — or Laughton himself — to wing.
The Kings have their first-round picks in each of the next two drafts.
For more on Scott Laughton trade rumors and potential destinations check out our video with Thomas Williams and Ryan Gilbert breaking it all down.
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