The Philadelphia Flyers (9-12-4) finally getting a much-needed win after a season-high 10 game winless streak are heading for the last round-up. With each passing loss, the season begins to slip further and further out of reach. Even if the Flyers can somehow pull themselves together into anything resembling a hockey team, the possibility that this group is currently constructed winning a Stanley Cup is pretty unlikely. This is not a what do we do next piece this is a what should we do within a lot of people’s eyes an all-time Flyer. Does Claude Giroux deserve this?
About the Captain
Claude Giroux was drafted by the Flyers with the 22nd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2006 NHL draft. A gifted center in the QMJHL where he played with the Gatineau Olympique’s. Giroux made his Flyers debut in February 2008, becoming a full-time Flyer in the 2008-09 season.
Billed as the future first piece in the next Flyers super duo, Giroux demonstrated above-average speed, lighting fast hands, and a rocket of a turnaround shot. Things were looking up for the Orange and Black with established players like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Danny Briere. Giroux and fellow newcomers via a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2011 Jake Voracek (later Sean Courtier, and Kevin Hayes) represented the future leadership and talent that would bring the Cup back to Broad Street.
| Claude Giroux | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | PPP | SHG | SHP | GWG | OTG | S | S% |
| NHL Career | 967 | 282 | 597 | 879 | 30 | 404 | 83 | 333 | 7 | 16 | 46 | 11 | 2,511 | 11.2 |
Alas, we all know how this story ended right? Whether it was the lack of talent assembled around him as complementary pieces, or the lack of a true superstar to pair with him, or the constant instability behind the bench 7 coaches since 2006 Claude never realized his maximum potential in Orange and Black.
Recognizing the talent that he was both on and off the ice Giroux was named the 19th captain in Flyers history in 2012. Giroux’s ability as a captain has come under some speculation in his time as Captain the Flyers have undergone 6 coaching changes. I’m not saying that the captain is responsible for the coach, but he does play a pivotal role between player and coach how much did Giroux’s leadership or lack of leadership lend into the massive turmoil behind the bench is debatable, but it cannot be overlooked.
Does He Stay or Does He Go?
There seems to be a split feeling on G’s future with the club. He is a free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season and would have $8,275,000 coming off the books. Some see moving him as disrespect associating him being traded as a symbol as to what is wrong with the Flyers. I see it differently. G is right now the best Flyer that we got thinking he would decide to return to this team via free agency with the mountain of issues currently plaguing this team is ridiculous. How long does he have left to play?
I say trading him is a sign of the respect we have for him. For all the years the Flyers failed Giroux this is Chuck Fletchers chance to make that right. Sit him down talk about a list of teams that he would waive his no-trade clause for and make the deal. We get back pieces for the future. Hopefully, a bright future Giroux gets back his rightful and overdue shot at the Cup.
We can argue day and night over his all-time place with the organization, but you can’t argue that Claude Giroux has given his best to Philadelphia. Circumstances, negligent ownership, bad coaching, impatient fans, and etc. It’s time to say goodbye Claude happy trails until we meet again. The question remains, “Does Claude Giroux deserve this?”
Matt Bednarczyk is your host of Talking Philly Sports With Matty B. He is a proud retired US Army Sergeant First Class, he is also a combat veteran with over 80 months served in Afganistan, and Iraq . Huge Hockey Fan. Matt is a lifelong 4 for 4 Philly sports fan. Born and raised on the Mayfair and Tacony neighborhood lines of Northeast Philly. He brings over 40 years of Philadelphia Sports passion and provides a realistic look at our Major Sports Teams and the most passionate sports fans on the planet. Look for his show live on Edge of Philly Sports.
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