The hesitancy in trading Laughton probably had two factors, he had a poor season last year and I suspect the offers weren't that attractive, and the Flyers had a lot of uncertainty at center, Couts off the back, Frost and Cates both unknowns.
Now things have been clarified for Briere, and he's making moves looking 2-3 years down the road:
1) Frost wasn't seen as part of the future, never progressed, and they prefer Cates as the 3C.
2) Farabee flatlined after his neck injury, average size and speed, couldn't add strength, mediocre on defense, passed by Michkov, TK, Tippett, and Foerster at wing. $5M is rich for 3LW, especially if Couts moves to wing.
3) Laughton is aging out, better at LW than Center, where he's exposed defensively.
4) Risto is tougher, until Bonk, maybe Sotheran are ready, Gill 2-3 years away, lack full sized RHD. But for the right offer, he's not in their future plans.
With this season a lost cause, they can call up Abols, Gaucher or Rizzo to finish the season.
Next year Luchanko probably starts at center, might trade for a center as well (if they draft a couple they'll be 2-4 years away from the NHL).
So Laughton is a good bet to be traded (also a favor to him, hard on the family but a chance for the Cup before his career winds down in 2-3 seasons).
Risto, Hathaway, Poehling possibilities.
Seeler has NMC this year, and probably want him back next year with Drysdale or Bonk.
