Owen Tippett Bio
Owen Tippett (born February 16, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 10th overall, by the Florida Panthers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Tippett is recognized as a pure goal scorer with elite skating ability, and he has developed into a consistent offensive threat since joining the Flyers in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Owen Tippett was born on February 16, 1999, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in Ontario, Tippett developed his passion for hockey at a young age, following a path common among Canadian players who dream of reaching the NHL. His natural talent became evident early, as scouts would later recognize him as the best pure natural goal scorer at his age group.
Path to Hockey
Tippett’s junior hockey career began when the Mississauga Steelheads selected him in the first round, fourth overall, during the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. He made his Ontario Hockey League (OHL) debut on September 25, 2015, and quickly showed his scoring ability. In his rookie season with Mississauga, Tippett scored 15 goals and recorded 20 points in 48 games, earning a spot on the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team. He added a goal and three assists in seven playoff games during his first postseason.
The 2016-17 season marked a breakthrough for Tippett. He scored 44 goals, which led the Steelheads and ranked him fifth in the entire OHL, while accumulating 75 points in 60 games. His strong play helped Mississauga finish in first place in the Central Division. In the playoffs, Tippett recorded 10 goals and 19 points in 20 games, leading the Steelheads to the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals, where they eventually lost to the Erie Otters.
Owen Tippett Career
Junior Career (2015–2019)
Tippett returned to the Mississauga Steelheads for the 2017-18 season after beginning the year with the Florida Panthers organization. In 51 games with Mississauga, he scored 36 goals to lead the team and earned 75 points. On January 4, 2018, Tippett recorded his first career OHL hat trick, scoring three goals in the first period during a shootout victory over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He recorded a second hat trick later that season on March 4 against the Erie Otters.
The Florida Panthers returned Tippett to the Steelheads for the 2018-19 season. After 23 games with Mississauga, he was traded to the Saginaw Spirit on January 5, 2019, in exchange for Aidan Prueter and six draft picks. In 31 games with the Spirit, Tippett scored 14 goals and recorded 41 points, helping the team finish in first place in the West Division. During the 2019 OHL playoffs, he scored 11 goals and 22 points in 17 games as Saginaw advanced to the Western Conference finals before losing to the Guelph Storm.
Florida Panthers (2017–2022)
Prior to the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Tippett was considered one of the top prospects available. Scouts praised his exceptional skating ability and shooting skills, considering him the best pure goal scorer in the draft class. The Florida Panthers selected him with the 10th overall pick. On July 19, 2017, Tippett signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers.
After an impressive training camp, Tippett made the opening night roster for the 2017-18 season. He made his NHL debut on October 17, 2017, recording seven shots on goal in a 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Tippett appeared in seven games with the Panthers before being returned to Mississauga on November 7, 2017, to continue his development in major junior hockey. He was again returned to the Steelheads for the 2018-19 season after training camp.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2022–Present)
On March 19, 2022, just days before the NHL trade deadline, Tippett was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Panthers acquired Claude Giroux, Connor Bunnaman, German Rubtsov, and draft picks in the transaction. Tippett joined the Flyers as a restricted free agent that summer and signed a two-year, $3 million contract extension on July 29, 2022.
The 2022-23 season proved to be a milestone year for Tippett. On March 17, 2023, he scored his first career NHL hat trick in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The achievement marked a significant moment in his professional career, demonstrating his ability to translate his goal-scoring talent from junior hockey to the NHL level.
On January 26, 2024, Tippett signed an eight-year, $49.6 million contract extension with the Flyers, securing his future with the organization through the 2031-32 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tippett plays as a right-shooting winger and is regarded as an elite skater with a powerful wrist shot. His greatest asset has always been his natural goal-scoring ability, which drew comparisons during his draft year. At 6 feet 2 inches and 229 pounds, he combines size with speed and has developed into a reliable two-way player. His shooting ability and offensive instincts make him a consistent scoring threat who can create and finish plays.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several key moments have defined Tippett’s career. His NHL debut with the Panthers in October 2017, his trade to Philadelphia in March 2022, and his first career NHL hat trick against Buffalo in March 2023 represent significant milestones. The eight-year extension signed in January 2024 solidified his status as a core piece of the Flyers’ future plans.
Owen Tippett Career Highlights
Tippett’s career includes notable achievements at both the junior and professional levels. His junior career was highlighted by consistent goal-scoring production and playoff success, while his professional career reached a significant milestone with his first NHL hat trick. The combination of his draft position, long-term contract, and consistent offensive production at every level establishes him as a promising NHL winger.
Major Junior Highlights
In three full OHL seasons, Tippett demonstrated elite scoring ability. His rookie season saw him score 15 goals and earn a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team. His best junior season came in 2016-17 when he scored 44 goals and 75 points, leading Mississauga to a first-place finish in the Central Division and an appearance in the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals. He recorded multiple hat tricks during his junior career, including one against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in January 2018.
Professional Highlights
Tippett’s most significant professional achievement to date came on March 17, 2023, when he scored his first career NHL hat trick in a win over the Buffalo Sabres. His journey from 10th overall draft pick to consistent NHL scorer represents his professional growth. The eight-year, $49.6 million extension he signed in January 2024 reflects the organization’s confidence in his abilities and long-term potential.
Owen Tippett Family
Family Background
Tippett is the cousin of Mitchell Stephens, who is a professional hockey player with the Seattle Kraken. Despite sharing the same surname, Owen Tippett is not related to longtime NHL head coach Dave Tippett. His family connection to hockey runs through his cousin, providing him with a professional network within the sport.
Personal Life
Information about Tippett’s personal life remains relatively private. He continues to focus on his hockey career with the Philadelphia Flyers. As a professional athlete, he maintains a rigorous training regimen during the season and offseason to stay at the top of his game.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marks a significant chapter in Tippett’s career as he enters his third full season with the Philadelphia Flyers. With his eight-year contract extension now in effect, Tippett carries the security of long-term commitment from the organization. The Flyers continue to build their roster around a core of young players, with Tippett expected to serve as a primary offensive weapon on the wing.
Entering the 2025 season, Tippett brings the momentum of his career-best performances and the confidence that comes from a long-term contract. His combination of elite skating, powerful shot, and improved two-way play makes him a valuable asset for a Flyers team looking to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
The partnership between Tippett and the Flyers represents a significant investment by the organization. At 26 years old, Tippett is approaching his prime years as a professional athlete. His development trajectory suggests continued improvement, and the organization will look to him for consistent goal scoring and veteran leadership as the team evolves around him.