Laughton, 19, made the team out of training camp for a second consecutive season, but unlike last season, when he played five games in the NHL before going back to juniors, he was a healthy scratch for the season opener. “Scott was sent back to Oshawa today,” said general manager Paul Holmgren. “We felt this was the right thing to do for Scott and for the Flyers as it relates to his development.”

Laughton can remain with the Flyers for nine games because of his junior eligibility and then the club has to make a decision to either keep him or return him to Oshawa. If Laughton remains, his NHL contract would kick in immediately.

The Flyers can bring Laughton back as soon as the Oshawa Generals are eliminated from OHL contention.

Injuries threatening the Flyers appear to have made a factor in this decision as the Flyers had until today to send Laughton back to the O.