An Ontario Kid Might Be Slipping Out of Philadelphia, and Onto the Leafs' Radar
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
According to one analyst, Owen Tippett's time in Philadelphia is close to running out, which means the Toronto Maple Leafs have the perfect chance to bring him home.
It's been quite a decent season thus far for the Philadelphia Flyers, as they sit with an 8-5-0 record, and have seen names like Noah Cates and Trevor Zegras emerge as true threats who have made Philly from laughingstock to potential playoff contender.
But one player who seemingly fallen out of favor with head coach Rick Tocchet and the rest of the team is forward Owen Tippett.
With only six points in 14 games (5 goals, 1 assists) he has struggled to find consistency this season, and has shown some rough defensive numbers thus far.
He's still got lots of time to turn things around, but according to NHL Insider Anthony Di Marco -- the team is wondering if he really fits their plans:
According to team sources, there are some internal questions as to where Owen Tippett will fit long term with the Flyers; while the Flyers are not actively shopping him, you have to wonder about his future with the team.
While Di Marco stated that the team isn't actively dangling him to teams, he is getting into his older years at 26, and it's tough to see them keeping him on a long-term deal; especially if he wants to get paid.
The last three seasons have been stellar for Tippett, with 75 goals in 222 games and adding a ton of physicality with 388 hits over that span.
Why Owen Tippett's Situation in Philadelphia Could Quietly Open a Door for the Maple Leafs
We previously touched on Tippett's potential in Toronto, however it would be a bit tough to navigate a trade.
Tippett makes $6.2-million for the next six years, and the team is going to commit a good chunk of change to a player who will be 32 at the end of his deal.
Sure, that's not old but it's more or less trying to find the money now to even acquire him.
Toronto needs to get rid of David Kampf's deal, potentially trade Nick Robertson, and see how they can open up over $5-million to bring him in; and also lose out on Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton come the summer.
But for a team who could bring in a player in his prime, who has the potential to bring that star power, it's well worth it and he would replace McMann on the second line anyways.
It's a move that some may look at as something underwhelming especially for its potential price, however it's a deal the Maple Leafs should entertain considering how Tippett can change their dynamic both now and in the future.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 863 ANSWERS An Ontario Kid Might Be Slipping Out of Philadelphia, and Onto the Leafs' Radar Should Toronto try to pursue Owen Tippett for their top-six? | ||
| Yes | 545 | 63.2 % |
| No | 318 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||