Trading Claude Giroux: Were the Flyers doomed from the start?

Danny Diemer
March 20, 2022
Flyers
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Yesterday, the Florida Panthers finalized a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers for longtime captain Claude Giroux. The Flyers received a 2024 Conditional first, 2023 3rd round pick, and prospect Owen Tippett.

So full recap:
To Florida: Claude Giroux (Flyers retain 50 percent of AAV), 5th RD pick ’24, Connor Bunnaman and German Rubstov
To Philadelphia: 2024 1st RD pick, 2023 3rd RD pick and Owen Tippett@TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 19, 2022

Since the news broke, a gigantic conversation erupted amongst the fanbase with people taking either the side of Chuck Fletcher mishandling situation or blaming Giroux for handcuffing the team’s options.

It has been reported that Giroux asked the Flyers for the ability to re-sign in the summer. If true, this would have allowed Philadelphia to negotiate with other teams and Giroux would’ve opened his options. It has also been reported the Flyers declined his immediate request, thus handcuffing them to Florida.

#Flyers fans really need to listen to the latest Snow the Goalie podcast

They report that Giroux asked Fletcher for assurances he’d be coming back next season, Fletcher said no, and because of that, Giroux would only agree to waive his NMC for the Panthers https://t.co/VSRY4m4oXQ
— Dan Silver (@dsilver88) March 20, 2022

Like I said previously, this is what has been reported this morning and we have yet to get absolute confirmation. What is confirmed is that Owen Tippett is a Philadelphia Flyer now and will wear #74.

Tippett has 18 points in 12 games for the Charlotte Checkers AHL club and will slot into the Flyers immediately. His debut will be today at 2pm vs New York Islanders.

Transaction: We have recalled forward Owen Tippett from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL).
@TippettOwen will wear #74 and be available to play in today’s #NYIvsPHI matchup at @WellsFargoCtr (2PM on @NHL_On_TNT and @975TheFanatic). https://t.co/EjCWMTF2Eb
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 20, 2022

He’s a 2017 early first-round pick and hasn’t been able to crack the stacked lineup the Panthers have to offer, but should get a better opportunity here with less expectations on the year. With Giroux no longer in the mix, we better be able to see the kids perform to the fullest.

So, we’re the Flyers doomed from the start? It appears so. If Florida was the only option, essentially all leverage went in the direction of the Panthers. The rumors of the Avalanche being involved seemed to be the Flyers trying to pressure Florida into upping their respective offer. I suppose we will find out more when the parties involved speak the honest truth themselves.