Laughton, Manning earn spots on Flyers opening roster

With the news that Andrew MacDonald would be placed on waivers, the Flyers final roster was solidified. That right there locked 21-year-old Scott Laughton and 25-year-old Brandon Manning onto the opening night roster.

But it was really more than that. In practices on both Saturday and Monday, Laughton and Manning were not extras. They are here to play. The Flyers had forwards Sam Gagner and Vincent Lecavalier and defenseman Luke Schenn dressed as extras in practice.

Laughton, in his fourth camp with the Flyers, and Manning, brought to camp on a one-way contract, were a large part of the discussion during camp as the Flyers looked for ways to fit them in. On Monday, they did.

"Scotty pushed hard and I give him credit," Flyers GM Ron Hextall said. "He had to come in here and really make us a better team. We're a better team with Scott Laughton on our team. He pushed the envelope and made this team."

"It's good to be here," Laughton said. The hard work has just begun and I'm excited for the opportunity.

"I definitely know how hard it is to make it to the league and stay there. That's the biggest thing is staying here. I'm going to do everything I can to stay here and work as hard as I can."

Laughton played in 31 games last season with the Flyers, scoring two goals and adding four assists. Laughton attributes that time to making the team this season, citing familiarity with teammates as a key factor.

"A lot of it is comfort level with the guys and confidence," Laughton said, "to be able to play with them for half the year last year and be familiar with them, I think that takes a lot. I worked a lot on my skating and conditioning this summer and that's probably what took me to the next level."

Manning only played in 11 games for the Flyers last season, picking up three assists, but entered camp determined to stick on the Flyers roster after signing a one-way deal in the offseason.

"For me, it's about proving myself and proving to this organization that I can play here," Manning said after last Wednesday's loss to the Devils. "Hopefully the last couple of games I did that." 

"Brandon played well," Hextall said. “We signed him to a one-way deal knowing he was an NHL player. He’s done a good job and really been solid through pre-season."

Laughton, Manning and the rest of the Flyers begin the regular season on Thursday night when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The opening face-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.