26-Year-Old Ontario-Born Forward Has Quietly Become a Trade Target the Maple Leafs Should Watch
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
According to a new report from NHL Insider David Pagnotta, the Philadelphia Flyers may be willing to listen to offers for a young forward as Toronto keeps an eye out for a potential trade.
The Philadelphia Flyers are in the middle of a weird time in the City of Brotherly Love. They aren't necessarily heading towards a full on rebuild, but they are also not anywhere near a contender and could be looking to dish off some pieces if things get worse.
While it's not time to panic yet at only 1-2-1, the Flyers are an aging roster who's young guns like Matvei Michkov and Nikita Grebenkin aren't pulling their weight right now.
Insider Reports Flyers Forward May Be On The Trade Block
It's potentially dire straits for the Flyers, and if things don't turn around soon then they may be willing to blow it all up.
According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, if the Flyers end up faltering again this season, there is going to be a lot of interest towards forward Owen Tippett and if he's not being utilized; then it's game on:
This is gonna be a player that teams are keeping tabs on to see how he's being deployed and what type of useage he's getting; I expect teams to eventually reach out.
Currently Tippett occupies the third line with Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, however he is being usurped by guys like Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster so his time is getting diminished slowly.
A former Top-10 draft pick, Tippett was dealt to the Flyers in the blockbuster deal involving Claude Giroux heading to the Florida Panthers.
In 351 games he has 187 points (95 goals, 92 assists) and has been uber-physical the last few seasons, however his defense is unsightly and a career minus-46 rating won't do him any favors.
Toronto Maple Leafs Need To Keep Ears Open For Owen Tippett
But if the Flyers are looking to cut ties with Tippett, then perhaps the Toronto Maple Leafs might come knocking.
In desperate need of some secondary scoring and an infusion into their top-six, Tippett would at least give them a stable and reliable goal-scorer who has been remarkably consistent.
His physical style plays well into a Craig Berube system and at only 26 years old he's perfect for the Maple Leafs competitive window.
The problem lies in his cost, as he makes $6.2-million for the next six seasons, so you're investing heavily in him both now and in the future. Toronto lacks some true assets and we already saw what it cost them for Scott Laughton.
No way is Philly going to let him go for anything less than premium returns and unless Toronto wants to risk trading Easton Cowan or Ben Danford in a package; they need some creativity.
Maybe it's time Toronto dips into their goaltender pool and dangle someone like Artur Akhtyamov as well. Toronto has their goalie situation locked up and their surplus of goaltenders could make things slightly more affordable.
It's not going to be easy, but if Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs want to make an impact, they should have no qualms about asking the Flyers about what Owen Tippett will cost.
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