When looking at the UFA board, it makes sense why the Philadelphia Flyers feel like they need to trade Owen Tippett. Rick Tocchet's club received a taste of what it would be like to contend when they advanced to the second round in the postseason, and the loss to the Carolina Hurricanes showed them that what they lack is depth down the middle.
The problem heading into the offseason is that the UFA pool is essentially non-existent, especially down the middle of the ice, where nearly all the impact centers on expiring contracts signed extensions this summer. If the Flyers are going to upgrade that position, they need to trade a roster piece, and Tippett is one of their most valuable.
Tippett has six years remaining on a deal that pays him $6.2 million annually. He has been a constant presence for the Flyers over the last four seasons, averaging around 47 points per season while missing limited games. While you do know what you're getting from him season-by-season, it is his production game-by-game that makes Philadelphia fans feel like they wouldn't hate to lose him as much as others.
Tippett may go quiet for stretches during the season. Still, the Flyers missed his presence considerably during the second round against the Hurricanes after he suffered an injury that caused internal bleeding. Philadelphia couldn't match Carolina's skill and speed, and the winger wouldn't have been able to do it all himself, but he would've at least narrowed that gap. The Flyers may miss him more than they think if they do trade him.
Owen Tippett's contract only gets better for Flyers
The problem with trading Tippett is that a player of his caliber is going to have a season where he does put it together consistently for 82 games and has a massive breakout. He may not carry that into the following season, but if Philadelphia trades Tippett to a rival and he has a career year, it will sting.
The Flyers held on to Tippett over the years when they could've cut bait and gotten rid of him. That breakout may never come for Tippett, but he showed enough this season during stretches of play that Daniel Briere should not give up on him just yet. 25+ goal scorers don't just grow on trees, and totals of 27, 28, 20, and 28 over his past four seasons are going to leave a hole in Philadelphia's lineup that they may not realize until it's too late.
The Oilers are one of those teams that are reportedly kicking the tires on Tippett. If the Flyers want to guarantee that they'll regret the trade by putting the winger in a position to breakout, having him play 82 games on Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl's wing is a great way to do it.
