*Photo from The Athletic*
The day has finally come in Philadelphia. Claude Giroux is gone. The Florida Panthers have acquired Giroux, Connor Bunnaman, German Rubtsov, and a 2024 5th round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for RW Owen Tippett, a conditional 2024 first round pick, and a 2023 3rd round pick, according to Pierre Lebrun of TSN. Both teams have confirmed the trade.
Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said of the trade that "Any day that you trade your captain is a tough day, and with how much Claude has meant to this organization and how he has represented himself for 15 years, makes it all that more difficult to say goodbye. Claude is one of the best players to ever wear a Flyer uniform."
Giroux is in the final season of a 8 year extension he signed with the Flyers, and had a no trade clause in his contract. He was reportedly only willing to accept a trade to the Panthers, who lead the Eastern Conference in total points, and are second in the league, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche. The Flyers retained 50 percent of Giroux's remaining salary.
In 57 games for the Flyers this season, his 10th as team captain, Giroux potted 18 goals and dished out 24 assists, with a -12 rating in an ATOI of 19:14. It is entirely fitting that Giroux played his 1,000th game in the NHL, and it was his last game in a Flyers uniform, with an incredible ceremony that night.
In his 1,000 career games, Giroux has 291 goals and 609 assists, with a +27 rating in an ATOI of 19:37, having played every game with the Flyers. In 85 playoff games, Giroux has 25 goals and 48 assists, with a +4 rating.
Panthers GM Bill Zito said of getting Giroux that "Claude has been one of the most complete talents in the National Hockey League for over a decade. He has demonstrated his elite leadership and work ethic during his tenure in Philadelphia and we are thrilled to be able to welcome a player of his caliber to our lineup. Additionally, we are excited to receive Connor and German into our Panthers pipeline and look forward to their growth within our system."
The only player heading to Philadelphia is Tippett, who didn't have a role in Florida due to the incredible talent, having been in the AHL recently. Tippett has 6 goals and 8 assists with a +2 rating in an ATOI of 12:32 in 42 games for the Panthers this season. He is a pending RFA this offseason.
In Florida, Giroux figures to slot right into the top 6 as they gear up for a playoff run, looking at a deep run, with the best team they have ever iced. Tippett will become an NHL regular in Philadelphia.
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