Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Questions about the trade status of Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux could increase in the coming weeks as his club continues to slide down the standings. An unrestricted free agent this summer, the 34-year-old center would draw plenty of attention in the trade market from playoff contenders.
Giroux said last month he’s focused on helping his club and not on waiving his no-movement clause. However, Sportsnet’s Rory Boylen suggested moving their captain could be among the issues they need to address as this season progresses.
Boylen cited colleague Elliotte Friedman betting that Giroux gets traded. “I could see a situation where they say to him, ‘OK, why don’t you go chase a Cup this year and we’ll figure it all out, “ said Friedman. In other words, Giroux gets dealt to a Cup contender and returns to the Flyers as a free agent this summer.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Flyers haven’t spoken to other teams about trading Giroux nor has there been a discussion between management and player about waiving his no-move clause. However, that talk might have to take place if the Flyers remain out of contention leading up to the March 21 trade deadline.
The Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild could use depth at center while the New York Rangers could be enticed by Giroux’s ability to play center or wing. Calgary Hockey Now’s Steve Macfarlane included Giroux on his list of suggested trade targets for the Flames.
Cap Friendly shows Giroux carrying an annual average value of $8.275 million. Interested contenders with limited cap space could prefer waiting until the trade deadline when most of his cap hit has already been paid out by the Flyers.
