It will be really interesting to see what happens with Laughton. He's been pretty good the last two years.
The smart move would be to trade him at the deadline, but playoff teams don't do that. If Fletcher wants to re-sign him it will be a challenge to fit him under the cap. Maybe he'll accept a home town discount? But why should he?
Oh I agree....he has gotten the results even though we never expect it to continue.
They for sure won't trade him given they know the importance of C depth given last year and with Frost hurt...and Patrick's past.
They "could" re-sign him if they decided to move Patrick or Frost in a deal for a F upgrade or what they think is a D one.
Like they might look at it as to why let Laughts leave for nothing when they can sign him to replace Patricks spot in the lineup the next 3 years...and use Patrick as an asset to trade for....Dumba...who they likely view as an upgrade over Ghost. Not saying this is a good move, but it would not shock me...especially because Laughts has played wing and done very well too.
Reality is, he has been better than Lindblom and Patrick this year who are expected to be top 6 guys. Obviously they have certain reasons why, but Laughts has done more than what has been expected of him the last 2 years.....a 50 point pace/82 games. Just what we "hope" Patrick and Lindblom get to.
But the flipside of course is that as early as next year, he could be on our 4th line again and he would be overpaid.