Laughton says he’s grateful for ‘recognition’
On Tuesday he earns the Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award as the Flyer who exhibits character, dignity and respect for the game of hockey.
On Wednesday, he wins the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy for being the Flyers’ most improved player this season.
What next? The Bobby Clarke Trophy for team MVP?
Well, that might be stretching things a bit but it’s safe to say Scott Laughton so far has had one heck of a season — probably his best ever — and that’s evident from the hardware he’s been picking up.
It’s worth noting the Lindbergh honor was voted on by his teammates. And the Dupre prize comes from the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
“I’ve been in the organization for a while and there have been ups and downs throughout the start of my career, so to get this award from the guys definitely means a lot,” said Laughton.
“I’ve tried to put hard work into my game and become a steady and consistent player who is relied on each night. It’s a pretty special award for me and I’m grateful for their recognition.”
Laughton recorded 27 points, including 13 goals, in just 49 games and was on pace for a second consecutive career year but missed 20 games due to injury this season. His 13 goals are a new career best having played 33 fewer games than his previous high of 12 goals in 82 games and he finished the regular season with a plus-minus rating of plus-13, which is also a career high and plus-24 improvement from last season (minus-11).
In an interview with the Flyers’ public relations department, Laughton acknowledged success didn’t happen overnight.
In fact, those who have followed his seven-year career know it’s been a long road to the top for the former first-round draft pick who has spent a lot of his career on lower lines.
“Yeah, I think it [the Lindbergh Award] is pretty special,” he said. “I think being in the organization for a little bit of time, it might have taken me a little bit longer to kind of get my wheels spinnin’ and kind of get comfortable in the league.”
Laughton, who missed 20 games due to a broken finger and a groin injury in the latter part of 2019, said a number of things contributed to his outstanding season.
“Obviously our team play was really good,” Laughton said. “A lot of guys I played with throughout the year really helped me. Just the opportunities that I was given by the coaching staff of being a reliable guy. It’s the most comfortable I’ve been since I’ve been in the NHL.”
Hayes ready to roll: Kevin Hayes, who took home the Gene Hart Memorial Trophy on Monday for showing the most “heart” this past season, says he ready to get this Stanley Cup playoffs underway.
“It’s been a hard time, this quarantine and nobody wanted to go through it,” Hayes said. “It [the playoffs] is definitely going to be interesting with no fans. We’re going to be locked in a bubble, but that’s why we play ... to win the Stanley Cup.”