As Denver Barkey heads back to the London Knights after spending the last couple of months watching the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp from the sidelines, he reflects on his recovery from illness and coming back a stronger player than before. Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/] forward Scott Laughton is one of the team's top trade candidates. NHL insider Darren Dreger reported [https://www.tsn.ca/video/insider-trading-red-wings-homestand-key-to-lalonde-s-future%7e3036439] in November that Laughton was already generating trade interest [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/important-flyers-forward-generating-big-trade-interest]. Now, with the trade deadline two months away, interest in his services should only skyrocket from here. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team to watch in the Laughton sweepstakes. Pagnotta writes [https://www.thefourthperiod.com/pagnotta/what-the-canuck-is-going-on-in-vancouver]: "Scott Laughton scored against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, a team that tried to acquire him from the Flyers in the past. He has one more year on his contract after this season and comes with a $3 million cap hit. Philadelphia is willing to listen, and I’m sure Toronto won’t be the only team that pokes Flyers GM Danny Briere between now and the deadline." It would be understandable if the Maple Leafs made a push for Laughton [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/flyers-maple-leafs-emerging-as-potential-trade-partners] at the deadline. It is no secret that they are browsing the trade market for a third-line center, and Laughton could be a perfect option for them. The Leafs would also very likely love to have Laughton because of his two-way play and physicality. He is simply a player built for the post-season. Scott Laughton [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExOTQ3MzIyNDIxMDI4ODQw/usatsi_25124398.jpg] Scott Laughton However, while Laughton is expected to generate trade interest, the Flyers do not need to rush a move necessarily. He is not a pending unrestricted free agent, as his contract expires after next season. In addition, due to his marvelous leadership qualities, he could very well end up being a player the Flyers want to keep around as they continue their rebuild. Nevertheless, we will need to wait and see what happens with Laughton this season from here, but the Leafs appear to be a club to keep an eye on.
