I think a first round for Laughton is a very fair return – good culture guy and a useful playoff utility player, but let’s face it, not exactly a key cog. And i dont mind that it is down the road. It becomes trade ammo for them to make moves in 2026, when they have a lot of cap space.

They certainly dont need another pick in this upcoming draft.

The last few paragraphs are the story. I wanted to believe in Briere from day 1 but we’ve all been burned a few too many times by the flyers GMs. Now it seems Briere has a plan, has the acumen and patience to execute it, and (most importantly) it’s not a really stupid plan.

I like that Briere is playing hardball with other teams, demanding that they either meet his asking price or take a walk. Willing to pony up for Laughton? Great. Not willing to give us what we want for Risto? Fine.

I’m truly thrilled by everything the team accomplished at the deadline. Keep stockpiling those picks.

Also, it’s about time Andrae was back up with the club. His demotion was a classic case of Dictator Torts doing what Dictator Torts does.

Do we know what happens if the Toronto pick falls into the top 10 in 2027?

The key issue continues to be how the Flyers can acquire an elite young 1-C, 1-D, and Goalie. These must be high priority tentpoles to building a perennial cup contender. In trades the past two years, they acquired three first round picks that are likely going to be in the 25 to 30 range of the first round, two coming this year, one in 2027 from the Laughton trade. That area of the first round is where 3rd liners are found, perhaps if lucky, a second line player. Not elite. So, it is a must that the Flyers tank the rest of this season to drop into the top 5, of this coming draft with their own pick, to find that elite prospect that will be relevant (reaching his prime) during the Michkov years, presumably when they can be considered a contender for a Cup.
Right now, they sit at 8 in the first round if the lottery ends up equaling the standings. That is pretty good territory, but too far out to be assured of an elite prospect. Can get a very good one there, perhaps a strong second liner, but this franchise must get a first line elite 1-C for Michkov to grow with. Luchenko is not that centerman. If they end up at 8, perhaps they can trade up with some of the extra 1st round picks they have.
So, as as a strategy, in addition to tanking for a top five pick, they also must win a trade bigtime to find another elite player. DB will have to earn his stripes on that deal to come. Having three first rounders that are not their own over the next three years is some ammo for such a trade, but DB and Jonesy are going to have to think about moving a perceived pearl, plus more, to get that done. We shall see if DB is up to the job or not.
The Laughton trade was not a DB brilliant win. It was an easy win. If he had also gotten a first rounder for Risto, that would have been impressive, even if he had to sweeten the deal by including a second round pick with Risto for a first. He did not pull that plug, and there is no way Risto will be here when they are ready to compete for a cup, so that trade should have happened now. His value will never be higher, and sweetening with a 2nd round give up may have gotten it done.
Conclusion, final grade of C+, good job for Laughton, missed opportunity on moving Risto with a sweetener for a # 1 pick.