Claude Giroux: A Potential Trade Target as Deadline Approaches
The Philadelphia Flyers kicked off their final stretch of the season with an impressive comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to edge out the New York Rangers 3-2 in overtime. With the trade deadline looming on March 6 at 3:00 p.m.
ET, the Flyers are strategizing their next moves. General Manager Danny Briere has made it clear he won't jeopardize the team's future for a playoff push, and there are whispers that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen might be on the trading block.
However, a familiar name has surfaced in trade discussions that could intrigue Flyers fans. Former captain Claude Giroux, now with the Ottawa Senators, is set to become a free agent after the season. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, while Giroux would prefer to remain in Ottawa, his hometown, the allure of joining a playoff contender might sway him.
Giroux holds a full no-move clause, giving him control over his destiny. Ottawa is where his heart lies, but the elusive Stanley Cup remains a significant motivator.
If the Senators falter in the coming weeks, Giroux might reconsider his options. His $2 million cap hit is enticing for contenders, despite some playoff performance bonuses attached.
The Senators face a tough battle in the Atlantic Division, trailing behind teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins. With a record of 28-22-8 and 64 points through 58 games, their playoff hopes are still alive, but the road is steep.
For Giroux, the decision is whether to stay and fight with Ottawa or chase the Cup elsewhere. His past with the Flyers saw him reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2010, only to fall short against the Chicago Blackhawks. Since then, his playoff journey has been filled with ups and downs, boasting a 42-37-6 record, 25 goals, and 48 assists in 85 games.
Giroux last donned a Flyers jersey in the 2021-22 season before being traded to the Florida Panthers. After a brief playoff run with the Panthers ended in a sweep by the Lightning, Giroux signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal.
For teams eyeing Giroux, his playoff bonuses are a factor. According to Spotrac, he earns $500,000 for playing 50 games and clinching a playoff spot, with additional bonuses for each playoff round win. These incentives are crucial considerations for potential suitors.
While a return to the Flyers would be welcomed by fans, both Philadelphia and Ottawa find themselves in similar playoff positions, making such a reunion unlikely. However, an offseason signing remains a possibility.
As the trade deadline approaches, Giroux's decision could be pivotal, not just for him but for any team looking to add a seasoned veteran with a hunger for the Cup.