Larry Henry JrClaude Giroux’s time with the Philadelphia Flyers looks to be coming to an end, and two Stanley Cup contenders are reportedly in talks to acquire the veteran forward this month.
The Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche have both inquired about acquiring Giroux, several reports stated Thursday. The Panthers look to be leading the race for Giroux’s services, Crossing Broad reported Thursday night, but the Avalanche have not given up on their pursuit of the Flyers captain, per NHL.com.
Giroux played his 1,000th career game with the Flyers on Thursday night, watching from the bench in the final stages of a 5-4 win over the Nashville Predators. The Canada native has remained one of the key players for Mike Yeo’s squad this season, scoring 18 goals and registering 24 assists for 42 points in 57 games played this regular season.
G1K. pic.twitter.com/zy5Hlbhams
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 18, 2022
A former first round draft pick by the Flyers in 2006, Giroux has gone on to become one of the top players in team history. He recently registered his 900th career point for the Flyers and is closing in on 300 goals for his career.
“I feel like I’ve had a great relationship with the fans and the city. I get them. They get me,” Giroux said after Thursday’s home win. “I love them. That’s one of the reasons why tonight was so tough.
“During the game, I was trying to keep it together. Then the third period hit. The crowd, my teammates made it extra special,” Giroux said. “I don’t get very comfortable with attention like that. But saying that, it was awesome.”
Giroux was named 1st star after Thursday’s win, skating around the ice at the Wells Fargo Center and saluting the fans for many years of support. He was applauded before the game with a pre-match video on the scoreboard which featured several of Giroux’s former teammates, including Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell.
It was an emotional night for one of Philadelphia’s longest-tenured players and likely his final game for the team. Giroux will not fly with the Flyers to Ottawa for a Friday showdown with the Senators and he will not play against the New York Islanders on Sunday if a deal is not completed either.
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 18, 2022
“He’s given everything he has to the city. Even though the season hasn’t gone the way we wanted to and trade rumors have been swirling, he’s handled it professionally,” said center Kevin Hayes.
Both Florida and Colorado remain favorites in their respective conferences this season and would certainly welcome a veteran star like Giroux to their attacking units.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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