Claude Giroux is a Flyers legend and will be hard to replace. He is second all time for the team in points, games played, and assists. He is eighth for goals scored. Those numbers are not easy to replicate. He is also the longest tenured captain in franchise history. And with his departure, one thing is immediately clear: the Flyers need a new leader.
After his trade to the Florida Panthers, the Flyers will have to give the “C” to another person. The question now is, “Who will it be?” Here are some candidates who could take on the mantle of captain for the Flyers.
Sean Couturier
He is the obvious choice. He’s been a member of the team since 2011. He’s been a quiet team leader for the past few years, culminating in winning the Selke Trophy in 2020. If anyone should replace Giroux as captain, it should be him. However, he is out for the rest of the season with back injuries.
If the Flyers want someone who’s out on the ice, it can’t be him. If he can lead from behind, that’s fine. But if you want someone who can carry the team out there, they will need to look elsewhere. Which brings us to our next candidate.
Scott Laughton
Scott Laughton isn’t flashy. He doesn’t put up big numbers. Yet he is the steady sort of presence EVERY team needs in a player. As such, he is a great player to name as captain. He’s on pace to have a career year in points. He’s been able to fill just about every role the Flyers as asked of him.
He’d be a great candidate. But he too is also hurt right now. The team isn’t rushing him back from his concussion just yet. Either way, if he isn’t given a “C” on his jersey, he could be tagged with an “A” next year.
Kevin Hayes
Kevin Hayes is popular with the fans. He’s popular with his teammates. He’s even popular with Gritty! After a great first year on the Orange and Black, he’s had two injury plagued seasons. Can he get his touch back? Could he be bought out if the Flyers want to do a total rebuild? Will he be re-signed after his contract is up?
While he hasn’t lit up the hockey world since coming to Philly, he hasn’t been a bust either. Maybe the Flyers would want someone with more consistency, but again he is very popular in the locker room. That would make a good captain.
James van Riemsdyk
James van Riemsdyk is a year removed from having a rebound year and his numbers are down, but he is a well regarded player and a team leader. However, the Flyers did leave him unprotected in this year’s expansion draft. He’s routinely mentioned as a trade candidate. He has one year left on his contract.
If the Flyers want to name Coots as captain, but wait until he can hit the ice, JVR would be a good interim for the meantime. He has the experience that teams like the Flyers would want in a captain. But do the Flyers want someone who might not be in their long term plans?
Travis Konecny
A few years ago, Travis Konecny looked as if was going to become the sharpshooter this team needed. However, he fell out of failure with former coach Alain Vigneault and his offensive stats took a dive. Maybe giving him a greater leadership role would help boost his confidence.
He has had better numbers this year than he had last season. He has seemed to get his motor going following the Giroux trade. With the youth movement going on, perhaps the Flyers could build around him for the future. But then again, he could be a valuable trade chip in the offseason. And speaking of the offseason, one of the best players the Flyers could replace Claude Giroux is…
Claude Giroux
Giroux is a free agent at the end of this season. A reunion is not entirely out of the question. If the Flyers make some good moves, pick up some good free agents, maybe they can re-sign Giroux if he feels they can make a legitimate run.
After all, this season has been marred by injuries and coaching changes. Maybe a new coach can entice Giroux to come back. Maybe his story as a Flyer is not over yet. And, after all, who better to hold the mantle of captain then their previous one.