The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Scott Laughton ahead of the trade deadline, and now we know this is not the first time they have pursued the Flyers forward. According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Toronto was close to acquiring Laughton two years ago at the NHL Draft before ultimately deciding against the deal.

Toronto is in a better position to win than it has been in decades, and it'll be another failed year if it does nothing substantial.

Laughton set social media ablaze on Friday night when he and Flyers teammates and staffers recreated the iconic painting of "The Last Supper." But was it also foreshadowing?

To this point, I believe Briere has handled this trade deadline really well. There are no questions that he has gotten a bit of a bidding war going for Scott Laughton, and I am hearing talks have picked up for Risto since Seth Jones was dealt to Florida.. I feel the Farabee and Frost deal was purely about his ability to go big game hunting in the summer…. There are people with the Flyers who believe (or at least are saying they believe) the Flyers could still not move these players. I’ve specialized in trade deadlines and I am firm believer that you must always listen through the filter of one’s motivation when talking to anyone directly involved in the deal….Nothing is said publicly right now that isn’t targeted.. The Flyers not looking desperate does nothing but help them …When you don’t “have” to sell your car, or someone thinks you don’t have to, your negotiating position grows stronger and stronger.. If they don’t move either I believe it was simply because they couldn’t get a first…or comparable prospect. And personally, I believe in Briere. This trade deadlines isn’t the “end all.” This summer will be the true first test of this Flyers management.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton acknowledged he was just having a little fun when he posted a photo imitating "The Last Supper" to his social media Friday night - one week before the trade deadline.

Laughton and Ristolainen are hardly viewed as spare parts or expendable. The value gained does not necessarily help in the short term. If teams will not overpay, why bother listening? This can be viewed as foolhardy, but Philadelphia may be on to something here. After all, why make a move for the sake of making a move?