If the Vegas Golden Knights don’t get a top three pick at the lottery, Tippett would be a solid choice.
A top three selection in any draft means good things are coming very soon to those teams. Whoever is in that mix has rather easy selections, opposed to the other 28 teams who really have to think about who they’re going to take. The Vegas Golden Knights could be one of those teams who are on the outside of the top three if they don’t have luck in the lottery.
Owen Tippett will likely find his way in the 4-7 range and Vegas will pick no lower than seventh. The Peterborough, Ontario native is having an incredible season for the Mississauga Steelheads. In 60 games played, Tippett has scored 44 Goals, 31 Assists and 75 Points.
The kid just turned 18 in February and with solid numbers like those, will put him high on many teams draft boards. Tippett is a natural Right Wing and he’s labeled as one of the best Wingers in this years draft. Not only that but he has a perfect frame for a Right Wing at 6’2 and 200 lbs.
Knocks on a player like Tippett are limited. But like every 18-year-old, no one is perfect like Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby. Tippett has had some trouble staying healthy as he’s been playing through an injury for most of the season. Tippett also gets caught wandering and floating in his own zone at times.
But what makes this player so special? What stands out in his game the most? The answer to those questions are his explosive offensive abilities. This player is a ball to watch just like Hischier, Patrick and Vilardi. The difference between those players and Tippett is this player looks more of pure sniper. Check this out:
As you can see this kid scores some highlight reel goals. Other than being a pure sniper what else does he bring to the table? Tippett has a strong nose for the net and he’s not afraid to create traffic in front of the goalie.
Scouts say Tippett has a natural scoring touch and gets to the right areas with and without the puck. Tippett is very strong on the puck and is very shifty for a guy his size. What stands out the most is his acceleration. The size of this player with that kind of acceleration is something you that is very hard to find in today’s NHL.
The Mississauga Steelheads are in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs and have a 3-2 series lead over the Ottawa 67’s. Through five games, Tippett is more than a point per game player with one goal and five assists.
Next: Gabriel Vilardi Is A Player That The Vegas Golden Knights Are Eyeing
Tippett doesn’t look like he’s ready to join the NHL right away. He just seems too raw in his own end to be considered on an NHL roster as of right now. However I do see Tippett making an impact at the NHL level in another two to three years. If Vegas Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee is sitting there with the fourth or fifth overall pick, he shouldn’t hesitate taking Owen Tippett.