Friday night was a fun one for the Philadelphia Flyers, who came away with a big-time win against an unexpected opponent. Part of that success was mostly thanks to Owen Tippett, who rose to the occasion, especially in the third period.

Sticking with the Flyers, we have more trade talk, as well as a look into the team’s X-Factor this season.

Around the league, we have more trade rumors, a big-time return, one team’s deadline plans, and much more.

Get it all on the 1/24 edition of the PhHN Daily.

Philadelphia Flyers

Man, Owen Tippett was phenomenal on Friday night. Any time you score a hat trick, it’s abundantly clear that you had a great night. But Friday night was that next level that Tippett has in his game, and it was on full display.

Tippett possesses a combination of speed and power that makes him such a threat to score. The burst he had on his third goal of the game was unreal.

He has such a lethal shot and makes it look easy, too. His second goal was a prime example of that.

Getting Tippett going is something the Flyers need if they want to make their postseason hunt legitimate. Friday night was a great step in that direction.

Philly Hockey Now: Speaking of Friday night. The Flyers went into Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, to take on the Avalanche. Colorado had only lost in regulation once at its home barn until the Flyers made it twice. Unexpected is the word I’d use to describe the win, as I don’t think anyone had that on their bingo card following Wednesday’s devastating loss. But the Flyers went into the Avs’ home arena and left with a 7-3 win. What a night for the Flyers.

Now, for some trade talk. Shane Wright could be available for the right price. Seattle is looking to upgrade its top six and specifically wants a scoring threat. The Flyers have plenty of wingers to deal, but should Philly pursue a trade for Shane Wright?

And finally, wrapping things up in the Flyers section. Trevor Zegras has exceeded expectations this season. You can see how important he is to this Flyers team. But, digging a little deeper, Zegras has been an X-Factor in Philadelphia, and there are receipts to prove it.

NHL rumors & news

Sportsnet: For the first time in his career, Mitch Marner hit the ice at ScotiaBank Arena from the visitor’s tunnel. The former Maple Leaf joined the Las Vegas Golden Knights this summer and made his return to Toronto on Friday. It was an emotional night, full of boos from the Toronto crowd.

Hot take, or maybe even lukewarm, possibly just average, I don’t know. The boos are absolutely warranted. But the Toronto fans should not be acting like they did not want Marner gone in the first place. At the end of the day, Marner chose to leave, but again, it’s not like they did not want a change.

At the same time, it created another rivalry between out-of-conference opponents, which is good for the game.

Anyway, back to the daily.

The Athletic ($): Maple Leafs’ head coach Craig Berube got banged up in a gym accident. But hey, you should see the other guy.

In non-Kevin Weekes-like fashion, Kevin Weekes reported two teams have emerged as potential suitors for Canucks forward Evander Kane.

No forehead tweet, no vague city photo. Just a photo of Evander Kane and simple reporting. Should we be worried about Weekes?

Canucks Army: Anyway, here is the story from Canucks Army on the Weekes report.

San Jose Hockey Now: Was it too early for the Sharks to buy on someone like Kiefer Sherwood? Sharks GM Mike Grier sat down and addressed his big move, and much more about the Sharks’ deadline plan.

Boston Hockey Now: Here is something you probably won’t hear from the Flyers, at least for a while. The power play has been a strength for the Bruins this season. So, Jack Studely breaks down the Bruins’ success on the man-advantage.

Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers’ Mistakes; New Panarin Landing Spot; Penguins Trade