Claude Giroux already being linked to the Ottawa Senators this summer
Claude Giroux, you know him, long-time Philadephia Flyers captain, just played his 1000th game in the orange and black on Thursday and appears to be a significant trade chip come the National Hockey League's trade deadline on Monday. I bet you rolled your eyes re-reading his name just now. But- what comes next for the grizzled veteran after this year?
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast on Friday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet wondered if, beyond this year, there might be a fit for Giroux with the Ottawa Senators next year and beyond:
I would be curious to know if Ottawa thinks there's a shot that Giroux plays there next year. You know nobody's gonna talk about that now, but I have wondered about that. What are the chances, you know this summer, you know, he's got a tie in there, he lives not far from the rink, this is just me talking out loud
Giroux, 34, is still a reasonably productive player at the NHL level this season, providing the Flyers with 42 points in 57 games, including 18 goals and 24 assists.
Opinion: it's an interesting thought to ponder; on the one hand, Giroux seems to be nearing the end of his playing career, and you would assume that he would want to go to a contending team as his window for another run at a Stanley is dwindling. On the other hand, as mentioned above, Giroux has ties to the Ottawa area, owning a house not far from the Canadian Tire Centre. Still, he also played Junior across the way in Gatineau. Giroux could provide exemplary leadership to a young Sens team with a lot of talent and leave them, if not in a playoff position, close to it by the time he's ready to hang up the skates and call it a career.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 173 ANSWERS Claude Giroux already being linked to the Ottawa Senators this summer Would you like to see Giroux in a Sens jersey next year? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 37.6 % |
| No | 51 | 29.5 % |
| HAHAHAH, no | 57 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||