McGinn demoted; Laughton looks like lock

With Tye McGinn sent back to the AHL Phantoms on Wednesday evening, center Scott Laughton looks like a lock to make the Flyers' opening-day roster.

Laughton, 18, was the Flyers' first-round pick in June.

In Wednesday's practice, Laughton centered Wayne Simmonds and Matt Read — wingers who combined for 52 goals last year.

The Flyers figure to give Laughton at least a five-game look-see. Once he plays in his sixth game, a year would be burned off his contract.

Last season, Sean Couturier, then 18, earned a roster spot in training camp and finished with 13 goals and a plus-18 rating.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.