Owen Tippett, the Flyers, the Oilers, Stan Bowman and Daniel Briere are all part of a trade storyline that suddenly feels a lot more realistic in October.
Philadelphia's winless start could push Tippett toward the market, and Edmonton was already linked to the speedy winger back in June.
David Pagnotta reported whispers then that the Oilers had the winger on their radar. Nothing new has been confirmed, but the Flyers' situation has changed dramatically.
Philadelphia is 0-5-2 with just eight goals in seven games, coming off a 4-1 home loss to Carolina on Sunday.
Briere insisted in June, "I'm not going around shopping Owen Tippett." He also admitted other teams were calling about the player's speed and skill.
Elliotte Friedman suggested the Flyers might look for a spark rather than replace Rick Tocchet. A significant trade would be one way to deliver it.
Stan Bowman would need cap gymnastics to land Owen Tippett
The fit is easy to see. Tippett scored 28 goals and 51 points last season, and his speed would play beautifully alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
This season has been slow, with one goal and a -2 through seven games. Some of that is a product of the struggling team around him.
The money is the problem. He carries a $6,200,000 cap hit through 2031-32 with a 10-team no-trade list, and Edmonton's cap is already tight.
The Oilers also don't hold their 2027 first-round pick, which limits what Bowman can offer. Philadelphia would want real value back, likely including a centre.
Bowman should only chase this if he can send real salary back. Adding Tippett without moving money is fantasy, and overpaying in futures for a long contract would be a mistake.
It's like eyeing a new sports car when your garage is already full. You'd have to sell something first.
The Oilers are 4-0-1 and visit Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Flyers host Seattle the same night, still chasing their first win.
If Philadelphia keeps losing, Briere's stance could soften. Edmonton just has to decide whether it can afford to be ready when it does.
Should the Oilers trade for Owen Tippett?
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