NHL Trade Grade: Panthers finalizing deal for flyers star Claude Giroux
The Florida Panthers are making a game changing move, acquiring Flyers long time superstar Claude Giroux.
The deal comes just two days before the NHL trade deadline and will feature a plethora of young talent for the Flyers rebuild. Giroux will add consistent point production for the Panthers and needed versatility for a playoff run. The Flyers are reportedly receiving former 10th overall pick Owen Tippett, a 2024 first round pick, and a 2023 third round pick.
This trade greatly benefits both teams but will be crushing for the Philadelphia fanbase. Giroux, who was in the middle of his 15th season for the Flyers, was a fan favorite throughout his career with the team. The 34-year old captain will finish his career as the Flyers runner up in points, assists, and games played. Giroux was also a key contributor to the Flyers playoff run in 2010 when the team lost in the Stanley Cup final to the Blackhawks. He netted ten goals and eleven assists during that run.
Florida Panthers Grade
The Florida Panthers are giving up lots of future talent for the veteran star but this is a good move for a team that is in win now mode. The Panthers currently hold the best record in the eastern conference and stand just three points away from the Avalanche for the Presidents Trophy. The team has not won a playoff series since 1996 and finally look to be a contender for the cup.
Giroux adds a veteran presence with playoff experience to a team that is lacking in that department. Florida’s stars including Huberdeau, Barkov, Duclair and Aaron Ekblaad have never won a playoff series. Giroux has played in 85 playoff games and contributed 73 points during that span. His leadership will be vital for an inexperienced team.
Giroux also adds quality depth at center and wing for the high flying Panthers offense. The Panthers have struggled with faceoffs this season ranking 26th in the league. Giroux’s impressive season featured strong improvement to his faceoff game. The former Flyer leads the league in faceoffs, faceoffs won, and holds a 53.6 percent faceoff percentage this season.
Panthers coach Andrew Brunette will likely give Giroux time at the wing spot pairing him with Barkov and Verhaeghe on the first line. Brunette will also give his new acquisition plenty of opportunities with the powerplay unit where Giroux has been productive this season. On top of his excellent faceoff stats, Giroux has netted three goals and 12 points on the powerplay this season. The powerplay should be electric with Groux on the ice moving forward.
While Giroux adds reliable production for the Panthers, his acquisition does come at a cost. The Panthers will be losing an extremely talented prospect along with two high draft picks. Owen Tippett was the 10th overall pick in 2017 and showed potential as an elite scorer in the AHL. Tippett produced 40 points for the Springfield Thunderbirds during the 2019-2020 season. He has struggled to find a spot on the Panthers talented roster so this move will help him find quality skating time in the NHL.
The Panthers future could be in doubt after trading multiple picks in recent years. Last year’s acquisition of Sam Reinhart cost the team a first round pick. This means the team will not have a first round pick in 2023 or 2024.
The trade will cost the Panthers in the future but none of that will matter if the team wins their first Stanley Cup.
Grade – A
Philadelphia Flyers Grade
The Flyers are in full rebuild mode after a disastrous season. The team is currently second to last in their division. Trading Giroux was the final step to Philadelphia’s commitment to a full rebuild and the team could trade more veterans in the coming days.
Giroux was the guy in Philadelphia for 14 seasons and his departure will be crushing for the fan base. Yet, it is time for a change in Philadelphia and this trade is a great start for the Flyers.
The former captain was costing the team over 10 percent of their cap space and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Trading the 34-year old allows the team to have an active offseason with more money and more draft capital.
The key acquisition for the Flyers in this deal is Owen Tippett who should be spectacular once he is given quality minutes for the flyers. The 23-year old winger played in 42 NHL games this season and produced 14 during that span. Tippett also appears to have a great impact on team performance since he has produced a positive plus or minus fin the NHL this season.
Developing the young stars and drafting quality playmakers will be the key for a quick Flyers rebuild. Only time will tell how Tippett and the future draft picks will evolve.
Grade – B+