As the March 21st Trade Deadline draws near, GMs and other hockey brass kick the trade speculation to another level. Historically, the deadline has been relatively busy, but in recent years, the brain trust of NHL teams prefers to get deals done in advance so that their new acquisitions have more time to get used to a new system and new surroundings.
As reported by Sportsnet's Jeff Marek, a large portion of The Philadelphia Flyers management team were in attendance to watch the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, their AHL affiliate, take on the Charlotte Checkers, the affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
It is believed the Flyers were there to look at Owen Tippet, who could be included in a potential trade, for Philly captain Claude Giroux. If that is why they were there, they seem to take the offer rather seriously.
So, who is Owen Tippet? Tippet, 23, has 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 94 NHL games, with the Panthers in a limited role, including 14 points in 42 NHL games this season. He is believed to be the young NHLer and the centrepiece of any potential deal that would bring Giroux to Florida. The Flyers are also looking for a first-round pick, which for Florida would have to be their 2023 first-rounder( they don't have a first-round selection this year) and a prospect.
