NHL Rumors: Panthers Forward Finished in Florida

The Florida Panthers sent down forward Owen Tippett earlier in the season due to some inconsistent play. All he's done since is tear up the American Hockey League and put himself back on the map to get called up to the NHL. Turns out that's likely going to happen with another franchise.

Owen Tippett expected to be held out of Charlotte’s lineup tonight. More speculation in connection to Giroux rumours.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 17, 2022

As Darren Dreger of TSN points out, the Panthers are holding Tippett out of games as trade talks have advanced, believed to be with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Panthers are trying to add Claude Giroux to their forward group, one day after moving winger Frank Vatrano to the New York Rangers and adding rugged defenseman Ben Chiarot from the Montreal Canadiens.

The only issue at the moment appears to be the Flyers want of a first-round pick in any deal, as the Panthers currently don't have a first in either of the next two drafts. They also only have one second round pick in the next three drafts, so things are getting interesting during negotiations. It's likely going to be a package of top prospects and NHL ready players to the Flyers if the Panthers indeed meet their demands.

Florida has also been tied to Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun and Tippett could be involved in those talks as well. Regardless, he's not likely to suit up for any game action until after Monday's deadline. In 42 NHL games this season the 23-year-old recorded 14 points, meanwhile he's tallied 18 points in 12 minor-league games. The Panthers also have prospect Justin Sourdif who is drawing a ton of interest along with Grigori Denisenko who was their first-round pick in 2018 who could be included in talks.

Tippett being held out, Giroux being moved before Monday's deadline, turns out we could have ourselves a match here.