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As final Flyers cut looms, Manning may have edge on Laughton

Brandon Manning, Jarolslav Halak

Brandon Manning, Jarolslav Halak

AP

Sounds like Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning has a fan in new coach Dave Hakstol.

“Brandon played another strong, two-way game (Wednesday),” Hakstol said, per the Courier-Post. “I see confidence in him. You see that he’s been a good two-way defender, but you’re starting to see him pick his spots and get up ice. He just looks like he’s a confident player out there.”

We’ve already written plenty about the Flyers’ crowded blue line. Manning still hasn’t made the team, even though he’s on a one-way contract and eligible for waivers. Barring a trade, it could come down to him or Scott Laughton, the talented 21-year-old center who can still be sent to the AHL without risk of losing him.

Hence, the conundrum:

Manning, 25, had 43 points in 60 games for Lehigh Valley last season. And with a cap hit of just $625,000, he could be a tempting waiver claim for a team in need of depth on the back end.

It’s also worth noting that Hakstol was not as complimentary of Laughton after last night’s 4-2 loss to New Jersey: “I didn’t think he had a lot of energy tonight.”

Related: Flyers cut Gostisbehere, Cousins, Hagg from camp roster