He doesn't, and he won't be.
- Feanor

The only reason I`d see him not traded is the notion of where would they use the money saved anyway. So he may be safe in that regard.

That needs to be amended to the Flyers should explore opportunities to trade Giroux. The possibility exists that Giroux could rebound. This is the biggest decision the Flyers have to make, and really the only situation I'm concerned about.
- MJL

I really would love to know the injury situation with Claude. Would not surprise me to know something is bothering him physically.


Thats what everything really depends on for me anyway. If he is indeed healthy, and this is simply just what it has become with him... I look to get out of that deal.

Another thing I find hilarious is that Hakstol will literally dress 7 defensemen before he thinks replacing Vandevelde is a good idea

I think GMGM's kinda cut from the same cloth as Homer... in AMac he'll see a young-ish, mobile, 20-min defender. If they can stomach the cap-hit/term, I think they'll bite.
- Tomahawk

I think that might be wishful thinking.

I really would love to know the injury situation with Claude. Would not surprise me to know something is bothering him physically.


Thats what everything really depends on for me anyway. If he is indeed healthy, and this is simply just what it has become with him... I look to get out of that deal.
- flyer_nutter

We should know soon enough. I think they will be a full fledged seller after the outdoor game next week and I would hope that coincides with shutting down Giroux if an injury is what's hampering him.

His 5 on 5 scoring actually went up from 14-15 to 15-16, though. If it was just an age thing, it should have gone down every year since 13-14.

13-14: 2.08
14-15: 1.47
15-16: 1.72
16-17. 0.87

And the fact much younger players are also slumping at 5 on 5 this season, is good reason to think it's not just something specific to Giroux.
- Feanor

I was talking pure ES, including 4 on 4, any non PP points.

The trend is quite clear.

11-12: 93 points, 38 PPP (77 games)
12-13: 48 points, 21 PPP (48 games)
13-14: 86 points, 37 PPP (82 games)
14-15: 73 points, 37 PPP (81 games)
15-16: 67 points, 27 PPP (78 games)
16-17: 42 points, 23 PPP (58 games)

He still had an overall point drop, granted in 4 less games with a 10 point drop is PPP. The overall trend still holds. He has been able to maintain power play numbers, but his points are dropping season after season.

One thing I must point out is that he has been a durable player. So yes, I am hoping this trend has to do with some sort of lingering injury in his hip or the sports hernia. But he is going to be 30 and he is small in stature.

I don't really see him trending up again over the next 5 seasons of his contract after this season. .

Cousins or Manning are NHL players, like Read and Weise, but they're cheaper and younger.
- Feanor

I don't think there's gonna be any shortage of young, fringe NHL players available to Vegas at draft time. As much as I like Cousins, that's what they both are.

I really would love to know the injury situation with Claude. Would not surprise me to know something is bothering him physically.


Thats what everything really depends on for me anyway. If he is indeed healthy, and this is simply just what it has become with him... I look to get out of that deal.
- flyer_nutter

I recall hearing he had offseason surgery that was supposed to make him "healthier than ever" to start this year. I'm opening a can of worms by saying this, but it seems like every year we're wondering if Giroux has an injury that's impacting his production at some point. That said, I mentioned this in another conversation recently, and was told it often takes about a year to recover from the surgery he had, so I guess I really don't know what to think.

His impotence this year is definitely concerning.

We should know soon enough. I think they will be a full fledged seller after the outdoor game next week and I would hope that coincides with shutting down Giroux if an injury is what's hampering him.
- Baxter27

I`d dangle out Brayden Schenn at this deadline along with the other obvious names.

MDZ, Streit, and Neuvirth.

Dont think anyone touches Schultz, Read or Weise but one can dream.

I recall hearing he had offseason surgery that was supposed to make him "healthier than ever" to start this year. I'm opening a can of worms by saying this, but it seems like every year we're wondering if Giroux has an injury that's impacting his production at some point. That said, I mentioned this in another conversation recently, and was told it often takes about a year to recover from the surgery he had, so I guess I really don't know what to think.

His impotence this year is definitely concerning.
- BulliesPhan87

I think the talk of trading Giroux is sometimes mistaken for hating Giroux or something. It`s not that by any means. Hell Giroux was the only reason to watch this team for years.

There is something to be said however for keeping him even if this is the new norm. You won`t get much in a trade, if anything really. What would the Flyers use the cap savings on? FA is dead.

The Flyers are a nice cocktail of the following ingredients.

1) declining star player
2) Underachieving players
3) Poor mixture of forwards. ( too many grinders, not enough skill and speed)
4) Continued poor puck management and blown defensive coverage.
5)lousy goaltending
6) Lack of top defenseman

Mix it all together and you get a cocktail you poor down the drain.
- MJL

But they're still a bubble team?

I don't think there's gonna be any shortage of young, fringe NHL players available to Vegas at draft time. As much as I like Cousins, that's what they both are.
- Tomahawk

Fringe NHLers will be the best option for Vegas on several teams.

I think the talk of trading Giroux is sometimes mistaken for hating Giroux or something. It`s not that by any means. Hell Giroux was the only reason to watch this team for years.

There is something to be said however for keeping him even if this is the new norm. You won`t get much in a trade, if anything really. What would the Flyers use the cap savings on? FA is dead.
- flyer_nutter

I'm not taking it as hate at all, I think there are very legitimate reasons to consider trading him. It breaks my heart a little, but time stops for no one, Claude Giroux included. I do think they could get a solid return back though, if things come together just right.

That said, I don't think it's 100% mandatory to trade him. Always in motion the future is, or something like that.

I think the talk of trading Giroux is sometimes mistaken for hating Giroux or something. It`s not that by any means. Hell Giroux was the only reason to watch this team for years.

There is something to be said however for keeping him even if this is the new norm. You won`t get much in a trade, if anything really. What would the Flyers use the cap savings on? FA is dead.
- flyer_nutter

Giroux has been a star for this team. But the team comes first. I would hate to trade him but it has to be considered. His cap savings could be used in another trade for a higher priced player who may also need a change of scenery .
I would also dangle Schenn to see what his worth is.
One guy I would like to add is Roussel, I know he is a asshat but he is the type of guy who brings it every night and can kill penalties. I would offer Raffl for him. This team needs more edge.

I think the talk of trading Giroux is sometimes mistaken for hating Giroux or something. It`s not that by any means. Hell Giroux was the only reason to watch this team for years.

There is something to be said however for keeping him even if this is the new norm. You won`t get much in a trade, if anything really. What would the Flyers use the cap savings on? FA is dead.
- flyer_nutter

I'm hanging onto giroux another year. I can't believe it and I'm not buying this worn down thing. I'm banking on him rededicating himself this summer. He's a prideful guy and I'm sure this hurts. No surgeries, no international tournaments. Just a training regimen.

Hopefully he can come back and resemble 2014. I'll take a 70 point season I think he can get back to that

I'm not taking it as hate at all, I think there are very legitimate reasons to consider trading him. It breaks my heart a little, but time stops for no one, Claude Giroux included. I do think they could get a solid return back though, if things come together just right.

That said, I don't think it's 100% mandatory to trade him. Always in motion the future is, or something like that.
- BulliesPhan87

I think I've stated that they need to trade him, but thinking on it a bit more I agree that is not 100% needed. Hell the team is struggling even with him, and seems to be headed for a good pick.

I think the talk of trading Giroux is sometimes mistaken for hating Giroux or something. It`s not that by any means. Hell Giroux was the only reason to watch this team for years.

There is something to be said however for keeping him even if this is the new norm. You won`t get much in a trade, if anything really. What would the Flyers use the cap savings on? FA is dead.
- flyer_nutter

Just because you kind of brought it up...I think FA will not completely die. I think in general most teams will sign their guys to team friendly deals during their RFA years, but as teams have realized the importance of keeping their draft picks, we will also see fewer teams willing to sign their UFAs long term.

FA will always be a place where teams overspend and players get contracts they won't live up to, but I more 28-30 year olds becoming available rather than 32+. I still think the Flyers will stay away

Giroux has been a star for this team. But the team comes first. I would hate to trade him but it has to be considered. His cap savings could be used in another trade for a higher priced player who may also need a change of scenery .
I would also dangle Schenn to see what his worth is.
One guy I would like to add is Roussel, I know he is a asshat but he is the type of guy who brings it every night and can kill penalties. I would offer Raffl for him. This team needs more edge.
- 3flyerkids

I agree about the edge component. Its a drum I've been beating like a fool for years. Team plays better that way, blah blah, etc.

Ironically I think the Flyers have some players that can bridge more of that style. Gudas, Simmonds, Cousins, Schenn, Manning, Weise and hell even Raffl/VDV in my eyes could bring more of that edge.

For whatever reason, whether its a message from management or coaching, they don't want the club playing that way. Whether its trying so hard to avoid penalties, who knows. I can't agree with it - as a fan.

I think that might be wishful thinking.
- BulliesPhan87

It is certainly a bit of wishful thinking, I just have a kind of feeling that he is a guy that would do it. I liken it a little to baseball, where GMs always valued starters that can give you 200 innings, even if they weren't great innings.

Really cool that Dave Strader will call the Stars game on Saturday. Love his calls and wish him the best

Just because you kind of brought it up...I think FA will not completely die. I think in general most teams will sign their guys to team friendly deals during their RFA years, but as teams have realized the importance of keeping their draft picks, we will also see fewer teams willing to sign their UFAs long term.

FA will always be a place where teams overspend and players get contracts they won't live up to, but I more 28-30 year olds becoming available rather than 32+. I still think the Flyers will stay away
- YuenglingJagr

I think FA is overstocked, and the trend seems to show it - with players who will be paid more than they are worth. Like you say, guys who are older or bottom 6 players.

I dont think relying on FA to find 'core' players is smart.

Will say, one place I am annoyed with Hextall about is that bottom 6. With as much financial power as the Flyers have, and being somewhat of an attractive destination the bottom 6 should have been much better the past few years.

I`d dangle out Brayden Schenn at this deadline along with the other obvious names.

MDZ, Streit, and Neuvirth.

Dont think anyone touches Schultz, Read or Weise but one can dream.
- flyer_nutter

I wouldn't be too quick to dump Read and Weise anyway, both will come in handy as designated unprotected forwards in the expansion draft.

I wouldn't be too quick to dump Read and Weise anyway, both will come in handy as designated unprotected forwards in the expansion draft.
- Baxter27

I'd be laughing if Vegas decided to take on Read - who looks like he is shot, or Weise for the years left on his deal. Both players, are a clear image of what is wrong with the bottom 6 of the Flyers in my eyes.

I think FA is overstocked, and the trend seems to show it - with players who will be paid more than they are worth. Like you say, guys who are older or bottom 6 players.

I dont think relying on FA to find 'core' players is smart.

Will say, one place I am annoyed with Hextall about is that bottom 6. With as much financial power as the Flyers have, and being somewhat of an attractive destination the bottom 6 should have been much better the past few years.
- flyer_nutter

would never rely on it to find core players. I am just pointing out that the trend around the league will be a bit cyclical, and as teams focus more on drafting and finding core players through the draft (and paying them in their prime), more names will be available compared to what we have become accustomed to the last few years

would never rely on it to find core players. I am just pointing out that the trend around the league will be a bit cyclical, and as teams focus more on drafting and finding core players through the draft (and paying them in their prime), more names will be available compared to what we have become accustomed to the last few years
- YuenglingJagr

Radulov is a guy I may have interest in, but I do wonder how he would fare in a system like Hak employs, and I dont think he would be shy about voicing his frustration.

So far away, but you've got what seems to be a more promising FA class in 2018.