Report: Panthers using Tippett as trade bait

With the Florida Panthers expected to be buyers ahead of the deadline, the team has made forward Owen Tippett available for trade, reports Sportsnet's Jeff Marek.

Tippett, a 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger, was a prolific sniper in junior, scoring 128 goals in 213 career OHL games. The Panthers drafted him 10th overall in 2017, but his NHL career has yet to take off.

The 22-year-old has recorded 13 points in 39 contests this season. In 91 career NHL games, he's tallied 13 goals and 19 assists while averaging 12 minutes per contest.

Tippett's underlying numbers haven't been strong, either.

The Panthers have reportedly shown interest in both Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun and Montreal Canadiens blue-liner Ben Chiarot.

Tippett is in the final year of his entry-level contract. He's set to become a restricted free agent.