Here's the only way Claude Giroux can return with the Flyers next season
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O. EngApril 9, 2022 (9:24)
Now that Claude Giroux is in Florida, the drama surrounding the team seems to have settled a bit. Even before the season took a turn for the worst, any player in the last year of his contract knew that he might be dealt as soon as playoff aspirations were deemed unattainable.
In a recent report written by the Brotherlypuck by Dan Esche, he attempted to answer a question many fans had on their minds. Could we see Claude Giroux back in a Flyers jersey next season?
"Sending him off while he still had something in the tank is a much more pleasing ending to the story than him being in his late 30's and a shell of himself that fans are begging to see removed from the team."
My instinct tells me that there's a good chance but just like his move away from Philly, his return also depends entirely on him. It's in GM Chuck Fletcher's best interest to not promise anything to Giroux or the fanbase.
"If there is interest from both parties about a potential Giroux return, it needs to be swung in the Flyers' favor. He would need to sign a very team friendly deal, somewhere in the $3-3.5 million range."
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If Giroux were to request 5-6 million, it may be a better idea for the rebuild to look at younger and fresher players in the system or by free agency. No matter what his impact is on the locker room, the Flyers cannot commit too much cap on a 34-year-old, and that stands for most teams.
Nobody can know for sure but there seems to have been some friction between management and Pat Brisson, Giroux's agent during his move at the deadline. Some are saying he flat out refused a trade to Colorado, which would have garnered a better return and others are reporting that Giroux wanted a guarantee that he would return to the Flyers.
"Even if Giroux wants to come back, does it make sense for the chemistry in the locker room? If guys like Scott Laughton and Joel Farabee emerge as leaders in his absence, only to be put back playing second fiddle if Giroux returns."
There's no doubt that Giroux loves this city and this team. But hockey is a business and we can't all be living in a fever dream. This season was awful but there's only one way to go from here. Up. Parting ways with Giroux hurts but it's also something inevitable and in the long run will help the team grow. In many facets, it's a blessing in disguise. We just don't know it yet.
Credit: Brotherlypuck
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