It's no secret that the Detroit Red Wings are in need of good centers. While Andrew Copp had a perfectly good season, it's clear that the 2C spot is the position the Red Wings need to upgrade the most. Unfortunately, the current free agency class has very little in terms of tangible solutions that Detroit can choose from.
One option that's been brought up from time to time is Scott Laughton.
The Los Angeles Kings forward, known for being a heart and soul player, celebrated a 13 goal, 20 point season between the Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, to be fair, Laughton only played 64 games in 2025-26 and both of his teams had a combined -68 goal differential. It's hard to put the blame entirely on Laughton's shoulders in terms of production.
But is a 20-point center what the Red WIngs need right now?
Laughton brings intangibles, but lacks tangibles
Scott Laughton is beloved by both Maple Leafs and Kings fans for giving it his all. Like captain Dylan Larkin, he's considered a heart and soul player, the type who leaves everything out on the ice every game. He's a two-way forward who consistently puts up anywhere from 25-40 points while delivering great defensive play.
The problem is that the Red Wings already have a Laughton-type player: Andrew Copp.
Behind Larkin, Copp is Detroit's best two-way player. Not only did he produce higher point totals last season, he played more minutes per night at a more efficient rate than Laughton. APF Analytics predicts Laughton will sign a three-year deal at $4.1M per season.
Is a 32-year-old, two-way forward who just finished off a 20-point season really worth $12.3M across three years? Don't the Red Wings have enough two-way, defensive-minded forwards as it is?
Most importantly, what does Laughton bring that someone like Copp or J.T. Compher doesn't?
Red Wings should seek solutions elsewhere
Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of options at center in the free agency market that can help. The Red Wings could always seek offer sheets for players like Mavrik Bourque, but it's hard to imagine a big difference-maker will come from a UFA signing.
If the Red Wings do want to pursue a UFA center, however, there are far better options than Laughton available. Bobby McMann of the Seattle Kraken is a young 20-goal center due for an extension. Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets can provide both leadership and scoring. Calle Jarnkrok, a former Red Wing, does the exact same thing Laughton does but would come at a cheaper cost.
There are plenty of options. None of them are legitimate needle-movers, but there are options all the same. The Red Wings would be wise to avoid anchoring themselves to another bottom-six veteran in his 30s this offseason.
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