Maple Leafs Free Agency: The Case for Signing Claude Giroux
On the opening day of Free Agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the most active teams in the league, getting most of their off season business done early, but now that the dust has settled on the initial frenzy, there are still some very valuable pieces remaining on the market. Despite having an interesting cap situation, the Maple Leafs remain connected to one veteran forward, and the connection makes a lot of sense on paper. That player is former Philadelphia Flyer and Ottawa Senator, Claude Giroux.
Despite already making major changes to the roster, General Manager John Chayka must feel that the team could still use an experienced, reliable forward who can contribute at both ends of the ice. That is where the connection with Giroux begins. Reports had indicated that Giroux had made the decision to return to Philadelphia last week, but despite those reports the 38-year-old is still taking his time deciding where to play next season. For Giroux, next season could be his final NHL season and the ability to try and compete for a Stanley Cup is important to the forward.
As Giroux looks to make his decision the Leafs continue to monitor the situation. For what it’s worth as well, before signing with the Ottawa Senators as a Free Agent, there were also reports that Giroux had considered the Maple Leafs as an option as well. Now with things in Ottawa in flux, Giroux is less committed to the Nations Capital.
According to recent weekend reports according to Bruce Garrioch Toronto is very much in the conversation.
For some, the thought of Giroux at age 38 could be troubling, but here is a look at why Chayka and the Leafs should be pushing to bring the veteran forward to Toronto.
Two-Way Reliability and Faceoff Expertise
While the Maple Leafs have always struggled with depth scoring, it’s important to note that Giroux isn't going to put up 80 points at this stage of his career, and that's perfectly fine. What you are getting is a highly intelligent player who still knows how to produce offensively while playing responsible, two-way hockey.
Last season in Ottawa, Giroux scored 14 goals and added 35 assists for 49 points in 82 games, while posting a +20 rating. That type of scoring combined with the net positive on ice results are the exact type of secondary scoring numbers that would immediately bolster Toronto's forward depth and help alleviate pressure on the top six, while allowing the Maple Leafs to become a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
Where Giroux provides the most value however, is in the faceoff circle, helping his team control play. Last season, Giroux won 63.1% of his faceoffs helping to dictate play when needed most. In tight playoff games, on the penalty kill, or in late-game defensive zone situations, having a right-handed forward who can step in and win an important faceoff is a huge tactical asset. Giroux gives the coaching staff a dependable, versatile option that can be deployed in any game situation.
The Value of Denying Division Rivals
There is an added element to this potential signing when you look at the other teams pursuing him. As Garrioch reported, the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers are both still actively in the mix for his services.
Next season, the Eastern Conference is going to be an incredibly tight race, while the Atlantic Division will likely be the toughest division in the NHL. Taking Giroux away from the Senators, a divisional rival he put up nearly 50 points for last year, could be a major positive for Toronto. Furthermore, keeping him from Philadelphia could potential help create opportunities for a potential Wild Card spot next spring. In a conference where playoff positioning will likely come down to a handful of points, denying your rivals a useful asset is just as important as acquiring one yourself.
If Chayka can make the money work, exploring a one-year contract with structure similar to what Giroux played on last season to navigate Toronto's cap situation, this is a move that makes the Leafs functionally tougher to play against.
If the mutual interest is there, it's a contract the Maple Leafs should look to close sooner than later.