The Philadelphia Flyers' offensive woes have become a major concern, and one player's future is now under scrutiny. Is Owen Tippett's time with the team coming to an end?
With a mere 13 points, the Flyers find themselves tied for last in the Eastern Conference. Their recent games have been a stark contrast to their usual offensive prowess, managing just three goals across two matches against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the struggling Calgary Flames.
Sources within the team attribute this dry spell to a lack of willingness to get to the 'dirty areas' and battle for goals in front of the net. This issue has been a topic of discussion, with Charlie O'Connor of PHLY highlighting the same concern in a recent article. Specifically, against the Maple Leafs' formidable defense, the Flyers' forwards struggled to penetrate the middle, often resorting to perimeter play.
The Flyers' forward group, while seemingly balanced, still has its flaws. According to sources, the team feels they lack forwards who are willing to go the extra mile and score those 'ugly' goals, reminiscent of players like Scott Hartnell and Wayne Simmonds. Nikita Grebenkin possesses this skill, but his limited role in the top nine has hindered his effectiveness.
Despite this, the Flyers are generally content with their depth forwards, particularly praising Trevor Zegras' performance. However, the team's top nine forwards have been inconsistent, with many failing to battle for net-front presence.
Two players whose performances have come under the microscope are alternate captain Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett.
Konecny, at 28, had a slow start to the season but has picked up the pace, with three goals and an assist in his last four games. However, sources suggest that his overall play and effort have not impressed the Flyers' brass.
Often likened to Montreal Canadiens' forward Brendan Gallagher, Konecny's success has come from his willingness to go to the net and score off rebounds and deflections. This season, he has been less effective, spending more time on the outside and lacking the drive to get to the middle.
While the Flyers are not actively looking to trade Konecny, his availability has been a topic of interest for other teams, particularly the Minnesota Wild, who are seeking to bolster their offense.
Tippett, on the other hand, has become a polarizing figure. His hot start, with five goals, has cooled off, and he has just one assist in his last six games. Tippett's inconsistent performance, with his peaks and valleys becoming more pronounced, has worn thin on the organization.
The Flyers appreciate Tippett's style but feel he may not have the right teammates to complement his game. Tippett thrives when paired with a playmaker who can slow the game and set him up with stretch passes. While Trevor Zegras fits this mold to some extent, the Flyers lack many players who gel with Tippett's style.
There are internal questions about Tippett's long-term fit with the Flyers, a concern that persisted under former head coach John Tortorella. The team's abundance of right-shooting wingers, including Tippett and Tyson Foerster, has led to both players primarily playing on the left side, with Tippett arguably performing better there.
Tippett's name has been linked to trade rumors, and while the Flyers are not actively shopping him, his future with the team is uncertain. The Los Angeles Kings' front office, led by Marc Bergevin, has been watching Flyers' games, sparking speculation about their interest in Tippett. However, sources suggest the Kings lack the assets the Flyers desire.
If the Flyers were to make a mid-season trade involving players like Konecny or Tippett, it would likely be to acquire younger talent. The team is seeking NHL-ready players as they exit their rebuild phase.
The Flyers' offensive struggles are a significant issue, and if they cannot find a solution soon, changes to the forward group may be on the horizon.
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