Scott Laughton

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton could be an NHL award winner. The 27-year-old winger/center was named Wednesday as the team’s nominee for the 2021-22 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice — and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

Laughton produced an assist, two hits and two PIM in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Blackhawks. Laughton has seen a significant role in 11 games since returning from a concussion, but he has picked up only two assists in that span. The 27-year-old forward reached the 30-point mark for just the second time in his career with 11 goals and 19 helpers. He's added 107 shots on net, 150 hits, 35 PIM and a minus-9 rating in 65 outings.

With the injuries to Sean Couturier and then the eventual trade of Claude Giroux, there has been a leadership void both on and off the ice for the Flyers. They have more than a few veteran players in their lineup that have taken on new roles as the season has progressed. One of the players who has taken a large step forward in that has been Scott Laughton.

PHILADELPHIA – Scott Laughton was 26 when he signed his latest five-year contract with the Flyers, never expecting how it would all look like when he was 27. He was entering his prime, and the Flyers still had reason to believe they were, too. Alain Vigneault was still the coach, Sean Couturier was still healthy and Carter Hart was still valued, even if he was having a difficult season. Then there was Claude Giroux, talented and willing, a franchise treasure and forever captain.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced Tuesday that they activated forward Scott Laughton off injured reserve after missing roughly three and a half weeks with a concussion. In a corresponding transaction, the team also loaned forward Hayden Hodgson back to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Laughton suffered the concussion after playing...

Laughton (concussion) will return to the lineup versus Columbus on Tuesday, Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Laughton rejoins the squad for the first time since March 10 against the Panthers when he suffered a concussion, a stretch of 12 games on injured reserve. With Laughton available to resume his spot at third-line center, the Flyers have shuffled their lines around, including putting Travis Konecny with Laughton in order to give themselves some more scoring combinations. If the 27-year-old Ontario native can pick up just five more points down the stretch, he'll top his previous career best set back in 2018-19.

Laughton (concussion) is not expected to play Sunday against the Rangers. Laughton has been cleared to play but the team isn't quite ready to get him back into game action. The 27-year-old is expected to miss his 12th straight game Sunday. He could return as early as Tuesday against Columbus.

Laughton (concussion) won't play Saturday versus the Maple Leafs, Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Laughton has been cleared to play, but he'll remain on injured reserve to get back up to speed before his return. The center's next chance to play is Sunday versus the Rangers, but it's unclear if he'll draw into that contest given that it's the second half of a back-to-back.

Laughton (concussion) has been cleared to resume playing. Laughton will need to be removed from injured reserve before he's officially eligible to return to action, but that could happen as soon as Saturday's game against Toronto. Considering that the Flyers are out of playoff contention and Laughton hasn't played in a game since March 10, it's also possible that the Flyers will give him a few more days to prepare before thrusting the center back onto the ice.

The Flyers’ center depth took another hit when Scott Laughton suffered a concussion on March 10 against the Florida Panthers, but on Wednesday, the team received some good news. “I actually got some good news coming off the ice that he’s going to get tested tomorrow, hopefully cleared,” interim...

Laughton (concussion) may be cleared to practice with the team Thursday, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Based on the team's update, Laughton probably shouldn't be expected to immediately rejoin the lineup but the fact that he is able to start skating with the team is a step in the right direction. Prior to his two-game absence, the Ontario native had garnered five points in his last six contests along with eight shots, 12 hits and nine blocks. Whenever Laughton is cleared to play, he could challenge for a top-six role, especially if Claude Giroux is shipped out at the deadline.

Laughton (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, per CapFriendly. Considering Laughton is out indefinitely with a concussion, it's no surprise the Flyers moved him to IR to free up a roster spot. Given the Flyers' place in the standings, there's no guarantee the 27-year-old will be back this season if his recovery moves slowly.