KODAK Digital Still Camera
Photo Credit : Our very own Michael Reaves
Scott Laughton really enjoys being a Flyer. He loves putting on that Jersey, and he said that he does anything possible to lead by example, “I take pride in being a Flyer.” That’s not the only thing he said when I interviewed him before the Stadium Series game, “I think since I started playing I tried to be a guy in the room that someone could lean on for different things. I don’t take it lightly, and I take pride in being a Flyer.”
When thinking of the Flyers overall makeup of their team, some people think of some household names like Sean Couturier, Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, and now Samuel Ersson, all for good reasons. One name that doesn’t come to some peoples’ minds is Scott Laughton, “TK gets a letter. I’m happy for him with his play,” Laughton said. He also made a joke, while laughing a lot, “He’s a little rat, always doing stuff around the hotel, keeps it light, but he’s a great guy.”
A 28-year-old in Laughton has been is versatile as they come, and does whatever the coaching staff asks. John Tortorella says over and over again that he is a pro, and just goes out and tries to do his job. He does it admiral, a leader, yes, by example on and off the ice. Laughton is the definition of a coach’s dream, and no one wants to think about the trade deadline that’s about to commence on March 8. He did speak of a former player
“As far as Laughts’ game, I don’t need to explain it to you guys. He leaves it on the ice all the time. You can tell the spots I’m putting him in, we depend on him. Does he make mistakes? Yeah, but I’m going to go with him. I have a good feeling of who he is. He’s done some really good things for us.” – John Tortorella said in November
Laughton’s like the energizer bunny, he never takes a shift off. He hits, creates some scoring opportunities, and just busts his butt every single shift. Laughton is one of those players that every team covets, mainly because of his versatility to play any position, and move up and down the lineup if need be. He is the leader this team needs, and Laughton has registered 12 points in the last 11 games played (5g,7a).
One thing every NHL team needs for success are solid bottom 9 and 12 lines. Even though, Laughton may not pot 20-25 goals, he is still very useful, and really makes the bottom 9 and 12 lines thrive. It just makes this young Flyers team that much more difficult to matchup with, and It makes their opponents think twice, as to what defensemen to put on the ice for matchup purposes, “It really doesn’t matter to me. I signed here long-term, I want to be playing meaningful hockey. When it gets nice outside, I think that’s the best time to play. I really hope these young guys can experience playoff hockey in Philly, because I don’t think it’s like any other. So that’s obvious, you want to do well for yourself and help the team.”
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