Going into the 2020-21 season, one of the more interesting storylines for the Philadelphia Flyers is the performance of Claude Giroux. Giroux is about to turn 33, and while he’ll get upset at Carchidi for asking him about it and rightfully so… it’s a valid question. How will Claude perform this season?

Flyers captain Claude Giroux was not a fan of this question from the Inquirer’s Sam Carchidi. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/2dlvPlFq9E

— Snow The Goalie: A Flyers Podcast (@SnowTheGoalie) December 30, 2020

2019-20 Playoffs

It feels like a lot of Flyers had disappointing playoff performances, but some were more detrimental than others. One of the more disappointing ones that people would tell you right away is Giroux. This is something me and my co-host Chris Stumpo are really passionate about actually because as avid Giroux supporters… we couldn’t defend this. It felt like an eternity waiting for the day this organization put an ACTUAL team behind Claude and then it all just fell flat. You have to wonder, did the COVID stoppage kill all the momentum we had? The Flyers were red hot in March, Giroux included.

“I looked like Scott Hartnell on that shot” Giroux to Taryn Hatcher in the postgame. Awesome.pic.twitter.com/Gks19j5sjj

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) February 29, 2020

There’s still more years to get it done, including this upcoming one… and it’s going to be very intriguing to see it all play out.

Longest Tenured Athlete

I have to say this, Claude Giroux is the longest tenured athlete in the city of Philadelphia, and yet the most under appreciated. Not only is hockey the least popular of the big four, a good portion of die-hard Flyers fans themselves under appreciate Giroux’s career. In the all-time Flyers record books Giroux is:

– 3rd in Games Played (Should be 2nd by years end)

– 10th in Goals (Should be 9th by years end)

– 2nd in Assists

– 4th in Points (Could be 3rd by years end)

Put some respect on his name. Some people would have you think he can’t play and he’s a soft captain… those people probably listen to Mike Missanelli.

Don’t want to hear Giroux slander anymore, put some respect on his damn name. #NowOrNever
pic.twitter.com/CFplmsEu6k

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) February 29, 2020

Training Camp 2021

“Claude is hungry, and I believe he’s highly motivated to help this team win. I believed it last year, and I believe it even more this year. He’s come in here very focused, [with] a lot of energy and emotion, and obviously that transpires with the rest of the group.”

– Alain Vigneault

Giroux was on record last training camp saying statistics and personal accolades no longer mean anything to him, and all that matters now is a Stanley Cup. No one has ever questioned his drive and competitiveness, but a ring would be the perfect topper to his illustrious career and most likely solidify his number in the rafters.

“Claude is hungry.”

– Alain Vigneault on Claude Giroux pic.twitter.com/tMIckr7TRS

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) January 6, 2021

Giroux has been really good in drills so far, per usual.

Claude Giroux practicing shootout vs. Brian Elliott. Not bad. pic.twitter.com/49MxqIFlya

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) January 4, 2021

So the stage is set. Giroux has his contending team, and is determined to win the Stanley Cup before his time in Philadelphia comes to a close. This is what we’ve all been waiting for and starting January 13th all eyes will be on #28 and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The time is now.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today