Evaluating Trade Partners For Giroux: This is Their Year

As a lifelong Flyers fan I have found the resistance to trading Giroux surprising. There has been an undercurrent of negativity surronding Giroux, also surprising, since he was named captain. But with the possibility of a trade this normally vocal group has fallen silent.

The contingent that wants what is best for the orange and black sweater, which thinks Giroux as a rental is a necessary move to jumpstart a rebuild, is getting sentimental with some willing to accept a few more years of cellar dwelling just to keep Giroux captive.

To those of you who worry, I believe, trade or no, that the Flyers are the best positioned to re-sign Giroux. He has played his entire career here, and more importantly, he and his family have built a life here. The Flyers have a huge advantage in re-signing him as compared to every other team. If the team can’t, it means one of two things. First, the difference in money was extraordinary, so much so that it was insulting to Giroux. The other is that things were so bad for him in Philly, that he was not going to re-sign anyway.

I don’t see either circumstance playing out.  Philadelphian’s are (maybe were) loyal, especially in hockey circles. It will be painful for some to see G playing in another team’s colors. For those of you that feel the pain, try thinking of it as a well deserved vacation for G and a gift from the Flyers.  They are giving him a chance to get the cup, a chance he undoubtedly deserves.