Flyers’ Tippett: ‘I was unable to return for second round due to internal bleeding issue’

The Philadelphia Flyers had to go without winger Owen Tippett for the entirety of their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, a series that saw them get swept out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning their first-round matchup against their in-state rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tippett’s unavailability was puzzling for many after he played through the first round, but on Tuesday, Tippett provided clarity around the situation, stating that he was unable to play while dealing with an internal bleeding issue.

“I was unable to return for the Second Round series vs. Carolina due to an internal bleeding issue that I sustained during the First Round series vs. Pittsburgh,” Tippett said via a statement released by the team. “Following a series of medical evaluations, treatments, and rehabilitation under the care of Flyers medical team, I am making progress and feeling better each day. Despite being cleared to travel and skate with the team at certain practices, things did not progress at a pace that I hoped for or would allow me to safely continue playing.”

Tippett appeared in 81 games during the regular season, putting up 28 goals and 23 assists for 51 points, matching his career best in goals and falling two short in terms of points.

Against the Penguins, Tippett potted a goal and dished out an assist for two points in the six games in which he appeared.

Tippett concluded his statement by expressing confidence that he will make a full recovery in time for training camp, and while his health is most certainly far and away the top priority, his availability from day one for the Flyers next season would be a major boost for an ascendant team.

Tippett, 27, will enter the third season of an eight-year contract extension that carries a salary cap hit of $6.2 million next year.