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As part of a busy trade deadline for the Florida Panthers, Claude Giroux was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers.
In exchange for Giroux, the Flyers received a 2024 first-round pick, a 2023 third-round pick and forward Owen Tippett, with the first-round pick being top-10 protected. The Panthers also received forwards Connor Bunnaman, German Rubstov and a 2024 fifth-round pick in the trade.
The former longtime Flyers captain left a heartfelt message to the fans.
I plan to curate a formal goodbye but for now I wanted to acknowledge this change. Philly will always be a major part of me and my family. This picture seemed fitting. Thank you for absolutely everything❤️ pic.twitter.com/gzNm1gp5kZ
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) March 22, 2022
Let's take a look at how the trade breaks down for each team.
Florida Panthers
Giroux was probably the top player available at the deadline and he provides a massive boost for an already dangerous Panthers forward group (with the Flyers retaining half his salary as well). At 34 years old, the former Flyers captain is still a top forward, scoring 18 goals and 42 points in 57 games with Philadelphia before the trade, a pace of 26 goals and 60 points per 82 games. The Panthers want to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and Giroux certainly helps their chances.
However, the Panthers did still pay a fair price for what will likely be a rental forward. Even though the first-round pick is top-10 protected, it's two years away and a lot can happen between now and then. It's a pretty huge gamble to trade a first-round pick even one year out, let alone two years out. While the top-10 protection reduces the chances of the Flyers getting a great pick, the timeline of it still makes it uncertain. Considering how many assets the Panthers have given up in an effort to try to win now, the move is a pretty bold one.
The Panthers also gave up Owen Tippett, which was a notable decision. Tippett was taken by the Panthers with the 10th overall pick in 2017 and while he hasn't progressed as well as Florida may have hoped, he's still just 23 years old and has a high offensive upside. He only had six goals and 14 points in 42 games with the Panthers before the trade but had dominated in an AHL stint, scoring six goals and 18 points in just 12 games.
Along with Giroux, the Panthers did get Connor Bunnaman and German Rubtsov. Bunnaman is just 23 years old and was selected by the Panthers in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft. He didn't have any points in 15 games with the Panthers this season, but also spent most of the year playing with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms before the trade.
Rubtsov was selected 22nd overall in 2016 but really hasn't progressed a ton. He's also just 23 years old but had just two goals and six points in 37 AHL games this year before the trade. The Panthers also gave up a third-round pick in 2023, getting back a fifth-round pick in 2024, so at least they offset the extra pick they're giving up.
Giroux is a massive addition for the Panthers and will be an instant upgrade with hopes for a deep playoff run. That said, the trade didn't come cheap and their ability to compete in the coming years did potentially take a hit. Overall though, it's a fair deal in order to make a major addition.
Grade: B+
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Philadelphia Flyers
Moving Claude Giroux was an unfortunate, but necessary move for the Flyers. He'd spent a decade and a half with the team, with about 10 years of his career spent as the team's captain. The Flyers were nowhere near the playoffs and with Giroux in his mid 30s and set to become a free agent this offseason, moving him was clearly the right decision.
As for the return, especially considering Giroux was in control with a full no-movement clause in his contract, the Flyers did fine here. The first-round pick won't be used until at least two years down the road which isn't ideal. But they may also end up with a better draft position, even with it being top-1o protected. Given the Panthers were running out of first-round picks to trade, it's hard to fault the Flyers for taking a pick a little ways down the road.
Then getting Owen Tippett as well is a nice addition. He's still young and while his ceiling may not be as high as projected, he could certainly still be a scoring top-nine winger.
They also got back a third-round pick and while they did give back a later pick and two forwards themselves, none of those assets are likely going to be key pieces for the Panthers.
Despite giving up a huge piece, the Flyers didn't necessarily get any guaranteed impact pieces back in return. If the Panthers remain a competitive team and Tippett doesn't turn into a top-six forward, a pick in the mid-20s two years from now could be the Flyers' best asset in the deal.
Florida is looking for a Stanley Cup and the Flyers are looking to add some pieces that can help them down the road – it should end up as a relatively fair deal for both sides.
Grade: B
