He wasn't during the 18-19 season. Not by ice time, and not by ES points.
Laughton can be a 3rd line LW, say with Frost until Farabee is ready, but he's no better than a 4C.
Just lacks vision and instincts, and really isn't a very good defensive player.
He's best on the wing, forechecking.
If the Flyers can't get a solid 2C/3C, a good veteran 4C could help hold the fort until Farabee, Rubtsov, et al are ready in the spring.
Someone who's a definitive upgrade over Varone/Knight.
Laughton - Frost - TK
Raffl - veteran 4C - Hartman/NAK/Bailey
then when Farabee is ready, Laughton can compete at 4LW/4C
and when Rubtsov is ready, more the merrier.