The Edmonton Oilers are heading into a pivotal offseason. After another demanding year that tested the roster, management faces a long list of challenges, including limited cap space, key pending free agents, and major contract decisions on the horizon.
With their Stanley Cup window still open but becoming more urgent by the season, the Oilers are already being linked to potential upgrades. One name reportedly generating interest is a Philadelphia Flyers winger on a $49.6 million deal.
Insider Links the Oilers With an Owen Tippett Trade
Owen Tippett, the speedy Flyers winger, is entering the second season of his eight-year, $49.6 million contract. His deal includes a modified no-trade clause that allows him to submit a 10-team no-trade list.
Last season, Tippett’s name surfaced in a series of trade rumors as he battled inconsistency. He answered those questions with a career-high 28 goals, helping quiet much of the speculation about his future.
Still, the chatter hasn’t disappeared entirely. With the Flyers loaded on the wing, Tippett could become a valuable trade piece if Philadelphia decides to address other needs on the roster.
That possibility gained more attention when NHL insider David Pagnotta connected Tippett to Edmonton while discussing the Oilers’ offseason plans.
“Among the many boxes Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman needs to check off this off-season, adding a speedy, scoring winger to play alongside Connor McDavid is one of them,” Pagnotta wrote.
He pointed out that Edmonton has several areas to address this offseason, including goaltending, defense, a third-line center, and depth throughout the bottom six, but adding another top-six winger remains one of the team’s key priorities.
“Jeff Marek recently suggested Blues winger Jordan Kyrou may be a target for the Oilers, while some whispers also suggest Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett, who was fiercely banged up during the playoffs, is also on Edmonton’s radar,” Pagnotta added.
The fit is easy to understand. Tippett offers speed and scoring and is entering his prime, making him a potential fit alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. The challenge, however, is the salary cap.
Edmonton is projected to have roughly $15 million in cap space this summer. But that money must stretch across multiple roster needs.
Tippett is at the start of a long-term contract carrying a $6.2 million AAV. With the Oilers already severely restricted by the salary cap and carrying Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million hit, fitting Tippett’s contract onto the books would require a massive “money-in, money-out” transaction.
The Flyers also have little incentive to sell low. General manager Danny Brière would likely demand a substantial return, especially given Philadelphia’s ongoing search for a high-end center and additional young assets.
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For now, the financial challenges make a trade difficult to envision. Still, the fact that Tippett is being linked to Edmonton shows the Oilers are exploring every option as they look to strengthen their roster and make the most of their Stanley Cup window this summer.