Revisiting The Claude Giroux Trade
Did the Flyers really lose the Claude Giroux trade? I’d actually argue that they won it. Yes, it stung to trade Giroux but they should be glad they did. Losing him for nothing in free agency would have been a way worse alternative based on the early returns of the trade. It’s time to revisit the Claude Giroux trade.
To Florida: Claude Giroux (Flyers retain 50 percent of AAV) also receive 5th RD pick in 2024 plus also take Connor Bunnaman and German Rubtsov
To Philadelphia: 2024 1st Rd pick, 2023 3rd Rd pick and Owen Tippett (2017 1st Rd pick)
At the time, Tippett was struggling in Florida but it was more so because they were stacked with forwards. It’s not the same team anymore. Johnathan Huberdeau, Mason Marchment, Anthony Duclair, Noel Acciari, Patric Hornqvist, and Frank Vatrano are all gone in some form or fashion. It’s not the same Panthers team anymore. Tippett just didn’t have a spot on a team that won the President’s Trophy and that should be viewed as okay.
Tippett, the former Panthers first round pick in 2017, has a much bigger role in Philadelphia now. He likely would have been promoted up the depth chart in Florida too had they not traded him. On a bad Flyers team, Tippett has 23 points in 37 games across 15:56 minutes of ice time per game. It’s not anything that’s going to blow you away but the flashes have been there.
Let’s just say Tippett becomes a top six forward. Isn’t that pretty good of a return for a guy that was leaving anyway? Keep this in mind too. The Panthers are now back in the basement of the Atlantic division. That 2024 first round pick might be a pretty good one. Oh, and this.
THE FLYERS WERE ONLY ALLOWED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE PANTHERS!
Don’t forget about the power that Giroux had in these trade talks. Giroux was only willing to accept a trade to the Panthers. It was the only team they were even allowed to negotiate with. To acquire Tippett and a first rounder while not having the ability to increase your return from rival teams… Philly did pretty well all things considered.
We can close the book on this trade officially. Flyers with the W. A rare win for Chuck Fletcher. The Panthers underachieved in the playoffs and Giroux eventually signed with Ottawa in free agency.
