Flyers Demand Outrageous Price for Scott Laughton as Center Market Shrinks
The Philadelphia Flyers hold a very key trade asset in Scott Laughton, and as the deadline gets nearer, their price for the forward has reached an absurd amount.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to get better ahead of the trade deadline, Brad Treliving has seen some of his options head elsewhere as the team starts finding out just how tough it is to get a deal done without premium assets (and when you don't want to trade them).
But there are still some options available, and the one linked to the team the most has been Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton. The Oakville, Ontario native would be a perfect fit, however according to sources; the price is astronomical.
Philly GM Daniel Briere is adamant that he wants a premium for Laughton, and already got told no by the Maple Leafs for a Fraser Minten exchange.
So with both teams at an impasse, where does Toronto go from here?
Toronto Pivots To Alternative Options
The Maple Leafs are running out of time, and options although they still have a few names they could bring aboard.
Losing out on Laughton and also Jake Evans after the Montreal Canadiens decided to re-sign him to an extension. That's two down, and now the gears really need to start turning.
Moving to a center like Nick Bjugstad seems the best option at this point, as he's not expensive, can offer a solid and reliable 3C option and adds some size and a bit of secondary scoring.
Though he only has five goals and 15 points this season with Utah, he is only a season removed from a 22-goal outburst and was a very decent offensive player back when he was in Florida.
For his career, the 6'5, 205 pound Bjugstad has 154 goals and 172 assists while winning 49% of his face-offs for his career. Another big benefit is his handedness, as he would be a right-handed center swimming in a lineup of lefties.
Also being a free agent helps with Toronto's cap situation, and if he's a suitable producer could end up signing a cheap extension with the team.
Either way, whether it's Bjugstad or someone else, Brad Treliving needs to make a move.
He has until Friday at 3PM.
