The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a tricky situation, teetering between mediocrity and playoff contention. With the Olympic break in full swing and the NHL season set to resume, the Flyers are in a no-man's land, eight points out of a playoff spot but not terrible enough to secure a top draft pick. So, what's the plan as the trade deadline looms on March 6? Could it involve parting ways with Owen Tippett?
In a recent episode of The Chris Johnston Show, NHL insider Chris Johnston addressed the possibility of the Flyers trading the 26-year-old winger, Owen Tippett. Tippett has been a hot topic in trade rumors, but this situation is far from straightforward.
Tippett is a key contributor to the Flyers' offense, and he's more than just a rental player seeking a Stanley Cup before free agency. He's signed with the team through the 2031-32 season at a reasonable $6.25 million AAV, making him a long-term commitment.
Johnston acknowledges the complexity of the situation, stating, "It's a question. Philadelphia hasn't decided on their strategy yet. They aren't forced to trade anyone, but they aim to improve the roster. The team has faced a challenging few weeks leading up to the break, and the break might be a blessing in disguise for them."
But here's where it gets controversial: Johnston continues, "I'm unsure of Philadelphia's direction at the deadline. I don't believe they know either. I don't expect them to be major buyers, but how much will they sell? It's surprising to consider Tippett's departure, but I can't dismiss it entirely. The team's expectations have risen, and they must take steps forward. Sometimes, that means trading productive players."
The Flyers face a conundrum. They don't have many players who could easily be traded without causing a stir. Veterans like Garnet Hathaway and Noah Juulsen could depart without much fanfare, but aside from that, it might be a quiet deadline. Unless, of course, they decide to make a bold move and trade Tippett.
The pressure is on, as Johnston points out, referencing the Matvei Michkov and Rick Tocchet drama. The expectations surrounding the team have increased, and fans are demanding changes and upgrades. Trading Tippett, a player capable of scoring 20 goals, could be one way to meet those demands.
Flyers fans are all too familiar with the team's winger surplus. With Denver Barkey's emergence and Porter Martone's eventual arrival, there's a logjam. Tippett, a valuable winger who isn't considered a core piece, could be the ideal trade candidate to bring in a much-needed defenseman or center.
While the Flyers may not make this decision at the upcoming trade deadline, it's a move they'll need to consider in the not-too-distant future. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, tough choices are necessary for a team's long-term success.
