End to End: Which Flyer has been most disappointing at holiday break?

Share

Throughout the season, we'll ask questions about the Flyers to our resident hockey analysts and see what they have to say.
 
With the Flyers on the holiday break, let’s discuss a few topics.
 
Going End to End this week are CSNPhilly.com producers/reporters Tom Dougherty and Jordan Hall.
 
Today’s question: Which Flyer has been the most disappointing? 
 
Dougherty
When the Flyers signed Dale Weise in the offseason, they sold it as a better version of Ryan White, a fourth-liner who became a fan favorite in his two seasons as a Flyer.
 
But through 36 games, Weise hasn’t lived up to expectations. He’s been a healthy scratch and ineffective on the second-unit power play. He’s been playing more like the Weise the Blackhawks got last season at the trade deadline than the player the Canadiens traded.
 
Weise has just two goals and four assists in 31 games. He received a three-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Anaheim’s Korbinian Holzer in October.
 
His play in the offensive zone has been his biggest wart; he's been slightly better in the neutral zone and defensive zone. Still, Weise came here as a player who would bring the energy White did, but with more skill and to help solidify the third line.
 
Instead, he’s played mostly fourth-line minutes. There’s still plenty of season left for Weise to turn it around, but the first 44 percent of the campaign has left much to be desired.
 
Hall
Scott Laughton is a good kid who suffered some tough luck when he sustained a knee injury with a week left in the preseason, forcing him to open the year on long-term injured reserve.
 
However, it’s hard not to be disappointed with the trajectory of Laughton’s career to this point. He’s a 2012 first-round pick. He played 71 games last season — his first full look in the NHL, which ended mostly in healthy scratches. This season, he’s played just two games with the Flyers. He was recently sent down to AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley in favor of fellow forward prospect Taylor Leier.
 
I still believe Laughton can turn into a good NHL player with more opportunity. When you look at it, he’s essentially played only one NHL season, receiving just 10:26 of ice time. He’s 22 years old, so give it some time.
 
But the fact that Laughton has gone from 71 games and so-so production to barely in Philadelphia has to be disheartening for Flyers fans, who are likely growing impatient with a player who has goals of being a top-six forward.

Contact Us