Florida Panthers: Owen Tippett has a good chance of making the team
If Owen Tippett can impress the coaching staff during summer camp, the Florida Panthers may well put him on the roster for opening night.
With holes to fill upfront, Tippett definitely has a chance at making the team during his rookie campaign. The youngster will have the opportunity of showcasing his talents to the coaching staff during summer camp. Ultimately, it’ll be up to Owen on whether or not he makes it. The skill is there.
The Panthers drafted Owen with the 10th pick in the draft. Some, liked this pick. Others, did not. He will have a lot to prove to the fans down here in South Florida, but his chance will certainly be given to him. The Cats have lacked a true natural scorer for over ten years now. Maybe just maybe, Owen could be the new gem that the Panthers need to spark their offense.
During the 2016-17 season, he tallied 44G, 31A, and 75 points in 60 games played. Very impressive from the 18-year-old. It’s widely understood that Tippett is known to have an eye for goal. When on his game, according to Sullivan (via Sportsnet article):
"“Tippett can singlehandedly win you hockey games (according to Sullivan, previous coach).”"
When asked about his player comparison and playing style, Owen said the following (via Sun Sentinel):
"“I personally believe I have the upside of Phil Kessel with the shot and the speed that he has, as well as the capability to make plays,’’"
Dale Tallon himself, has openly expressed his opinion on Owen’s chances of making the team (continuation, Sun Sentinel):
"“We’re building a team that’s going to be around for a long time, and we’ll give him every opportunity to play this year. What we needed in our depth chart was a sniper, a guy who can score, a pure scorer, a shooter because we have a lot of passers and playmakers”"
He continued by saying (per, Sun Sentinel):
"“I watched him play all year … and he’s got the ability to no-look and still shoot it and surprise goaltenders. That’s something we haven’t had for a while.”"
Next: Florida Panthers projected second line for opening night
Rightly so, Dale is right. The last time Florida had a true go-to scorer, was when Pavel Bure wore the Cats jersey. Since Bure, the Panthers just haven’t been able to replace him or find another goal scorer. Perhaps, Owen could be the “one”. While Tippett doesn’t boast the speed Bure once had, he definitely has the vision and release that could make him into a lethal weapon.
Overall, it’ll all be up to Owen on whether or not he makes the team. While we know what he’s capable of offensively, it’ll be his defensive game that needs work. If he can improve on his flaws, I don’t see why he can’t receive a nine game tryout at the very least.