The proud orange-clad fans were rejoicing throughout the streets of Vancouver following the draft. Well, let’s give them more to cheer about.
Newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher wanted to keep his young up and coming stars intact with the orange and black for years to come. He stayed true to his promise as the Flyers officially announced the re-signing of Scott Laughton today for another 2 years- $2.3 million AAV.
Laughton does the little things, and does them well. He skates, plays on the PK, and he is interchanged on lines throughout the lineup. Laughton was one of the more consistent Forwards last season for the orange and black. He can be thrown anywhere within the lineup (Based off need), and Laughton never complains about anything.
If the Flyers need an energy shift, Laughton provides that. If the Flyers need a big PK kill, guess what Laughton provides that. This is where the value really lies in the signing.
The Flyers finished 26th out of 31 NHL teams in PK last year, sometimes flirting with the bottom of the league in that category.
The Flyers allowed 237 powerplay opportunities against last year. Opposing teams converted on 51 of those attempts. The league average was 47 conversions on 239 attempts. Those stats led to a penalty-killing efficiency rating of 78.48%. This is 1.74% less than the league average of 80.22%.
Laughton ranked second among all forwards in average ice-time on the PK, an area of heavy need for the Flyers going into the offseason. During a ten-game offensive tear, he also posted prolifically on the PK unit. Killing 25 of 28 handicap situations, Laughton and the PK allowed just three goals during that run.
The 24-year old is an asset in the locker room as he leads by example. He never takes a shift off and has only missed one out of a possible 164 games.
The former Oshawa Generals product, registered 12 goals, and 20 assists for a total of 32 points in 82 games played last season. Laughton has earned this new contract of 2-years $4 million ($2 Million AAV), especially after he leaves his heart and soul on the ice, shift after shift.
Fletcher is the new man on the block, and it’s great to see him locking up an energy player in Laughton. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
