Scott Laughton (© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
The New Jersey Devils will be buyers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. At this point of the season, the Metropolitan Division club has a 33-22-6 record and tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for second in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points. Thus, they should be aggressive in the trade market over the next few days.
One specific area that the Devils are undoubtedly looking to improve at the center position. Their most significant need is an upgrade at the third-line center spot, and one player who stands out as a potential trade target for the Devils is Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton because of it.
Laughton, 30, has created plenty of chatter as a trade candidate this season, and it is only ramping up with the deadline being this week. Considering he is an effective two-way center who produces offensively, plays a heavy game, and kills penalties, he would be a major addition to a Devils club looking to go on a run.
Laughton is having a solid season with the Flyers this campaign, posting 11 goals, 27 points, and 121 hits in 58 games. With numbers like these, he would give the Devils' bottom six some much-needed secondary offensive production and bite.
Laughton would also be more than a rental for the Devils if acquired, as he carries an affordable $3 million cap hit until the end of next season. This undoubtedly adds to his appeal. However, with Laughton not being a pending unrestricted free agent, the Flyers would understandably expect a sizeable return for their alternate captain.
Nevertheless, with the Devils needing a new 3C, there are not too many better options out there in the market than Laughton right now. Let's see if New Jersey makes a push for him from here because of it.
Recent Devils News
Former Devils Forward Traded To New Team
Insider Reveals Asking Price For Devils Top Trade Target
Devils Stars Make Franchise History In Blowout Win