Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett has become something of a regular in trade rumors, and his recent run of strong play certainly hasn’t quelled the buzz.
On the contrary, he’s become hot enough a name in the rumor mill that the Flyers are apparently attempting to throw cold water on any possibility of an imminent move.
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Tippett’s name has been floating in trade chatter and inferred that the noise has had an impact on the 26-year-old forward.
“Owen Tippett has been a name around a lot, and I kind of looked into this one a little bit,” said Friedman. “I think the Flyers are trying to do everything they can to calm the noise around him. I think it’s bothered him a little bit. I think he’s definitely heard it. I think the Flyers are trying to say, ‘Look, like, this is not our doing.’ And I do think the Canucks asked about him. I don’t think that’s gonna be happening.
“I’ve heard that the Flyers believe that there’s another level they can get Tippett to. And also, too, his contract — you take a look at where contracts are going, you’re gonna be okay with that contract, and I think the Flyers see that too.
“I think they’re trying to calm down the noise simply because this is not created by them. Sometimes names are out there because teams are looking to move guys. This is not the case with Tippett. So we’ll see where that goes.”
Makes sense teams are interested in Flyers’ Tippett
Teams inquiring about Tippett shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. As Friedman noted, his contract is very attractive — he’s signed through the 2029-30 season with a modest average annual value of just $6.2 million. And given his occasional ability to look like the best hockey player on the ice on a given night, it would be hard to blame the Flyers for opting to stick with him.
However, that occasional strong play is perhaps the biggest knock on Tippett’s game. Like any goal scorer, Tippett’s inconsistency has drawn the ire of the Flyers fan base. But when he’s on his game, he’s as fun to watch as any Flyer in the last half-decade. Tippett’s play has been particularly strong as of late. Over his last 10 games, Tippett has led the Flyers with eight assists (six of which were primary) and 12 points.
If the trade noise has impacted Tippett, it certainly hasn’t had a negative effect on his on-ice results.
A particularly interesting note from Friedman’s report is the Vancouver Canucks’ apparent interest in Tippett. The Canucks are very much open to trading some of their veteran players after an inauspicious start to the season, and Friedman previously urged fans to “keep an eye on Philly” in regard to trades with the Canucks. This makes sense since former Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet is now behind the Flyers bench.
Of the Canucks players rumored to potentially be on the trade block, defenseman Quinn Hughes clearly stands out among the pack. Hughes is one of the top players in the NHL and has a very strong relationship with Tocchet. Considering Tocchet’s ties to Vancouver, the Flyers make for a logical destination for Hughes should the Canucks ultimately decide to move their Norris Trophy-winning blueliner.
Of course, prying Hughes out of Vancouver would likely require a massive trade package including draft picks, prospects, and active NHLers. But if the Flyers truly wanted to make a deal for Hughes, it certainly appears the Canucks wouldn’t be opposed to Tippett being part of the return.
It’s important to note that just about all of the contents within this article are speculative. A trade involving Tippett or Hughes is not imminent, and fans should not take this report as a definitive sign that the Flyers are going to pull off a trade of such magnitude.
But as much as the Flyers are hoping to calm the waters, this report is likely to only add to the commotion.