The Philadelphia Flyers are in a tricky situation with Owen Tippett. On the one hand, they have a talented winger under contract for six more seasons at a reasonable $6.2-million AAV. On the other hand, they need to address major positional needs like a top-six center or a top-four defenseman. So, when other NHL teams start showing interest in Tippett, it's only natural for the Flyers to consider a trade. But what does this mean for the Flyers and their potential trade partners? Let's take a closer look at the three teams linked to Tippett in recent trade talks: the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Utah Mammoth.
The Minnesota Wild: A Potential Trade Partner
For the Wild, Tippett would be an ideal addition to their offensive top-six forward group, which already includes Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. Tippett's speed and big frame would be a great fit alongside these players. However, the Wild would likely need to offer a similar package in return. One interesting option could be center Charlie Stramel, who fits the Flyers' size quota and had a breakout 44-point campaign for Michigan State. Additionally, left-handed defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is under contract for just two more years at a $6-million AAV, could be another appealing option for the Flyers.
The Boston Bruins: A Win-Now Option
The Bruins are looking for a win-now player, and Tippett's long-term contract fits their mold perfectly. They could be interested in Tippett's contract and his ability to play on the second line, replacing Marcus Johansson. However, the Bruins' group of NHL centers like Elias Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, and Casey Mittelstadt may not be enough to convince the Flyers. Additionally, their blue line options like 25-year-old Mason Lohrei may not be a strong enough incentive for the Flyers.
The Utah Mammoth: A Team in Transition
The Mammoth are building a similarly aged core and could be interested in Tippett to help them build on their first playoff appearance. They have top-end prospects like Tij Iginla, Caleb Desnoyers, and Dmitry Simashev, who could be part of a potential return for Tippett. Additionally, NHL players like centers Barrett Hayton and Jack McBain, and defenseman Sean Durzi, could also be included in a trade.
The Flyers' Dilemma
The Flyers are in a difficult position. They don't want to take a step back in any trade involving Tippett, so they'll likely require a similar package in return. They're not interested in sending Tippett out the door for a couple of first-round picks or a prospect who won't be on the team until 2028. Instead, they'll likely seek an upgrade in other areas to maintain their competitiveness.
The Future of Tippett
Tippett has a 10-team no-trade list that could potentially impact trade discussions. The Flyers may need to act quickly to ensure they can balance their roster heading into next season. While the three teams mentioned above have realistic packages, there could be several other teams in the mix. The Flyers' decision will likely depend on their assessment of the trade market and their willingness to part with Tippett.
In my opinion, the Flyers should carefully consider their options and not rush into any trade. They have a talented player in Tippett, and they should aim to get the best possible return while also addressing their positional needs. The future of the Flyers and Tippett is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team will need to make a decision soon to shape their roster for the upcoming season.
