Eastern conference team prepping for a rebuild; franchise player controls his own destiny
The Philadelphia Flyers and on a downward spiral right now. They have lost 13 straight games as they are plummeting down the NHL standings. The Flyers have some players on expiring contracts who could be on their way out by the March 24th trade deadline.
Captain, Claude Giroux has been the face of the Philadelphia Flyers ever since he became a full time NHL player in 2009. Giroux is in his 13th season with the Flyers and depending on what he wants, it could be his last. Flyers General Manager, Chuck Fletcher said today that "it will be Claude's decision" in regards to if Giroux is moved at the trade deadline.
Giroux is an unrestricted free agent and he is one of the best active veterans to never win a Stanley Cup. If Giroux wants to win, it is likely that him controlling his destiny will result in him being moved at the trade deadline.
Giroux may not be the only move coming for the Flyers. Today, Fletcher said that «We're looking to aggressively retool here. Everything is on the table.» In regards to the March 24th trade deadline. The Flyers have 10 pending unrestricted free agents including: Keith Yandle, Justin Braun, and Rasmus Ristolainen who could all fetch a good package at the trade deadline.
The Flyers have missed the playoffs in 3 of the last 5 seasons and are on track to make it 4 of the last 6 this year. This is the Flyers second 10+ game losing streak of the season and although they have some players that they can build around, that being said - a retool has been inevitable for a few seasons and now signs are pointing at the Flyers starting that retool at the trade deadline.
Comcast Spectator (who knows the Flyers) CEO, Dave Scott said that he doesn't see the Philadelphia Flyers as a "three, four, five-year rebuild." If the Flyers are looking to retool and Claude Giroux decides he wants out the assets the Flyers will get for him at the trade deadline will help accelerate their retool.
Giroux has 34 points in 40 games and with his play-style he will likely cost a lot for whatever team is lucky enough to trade for the 34-year-old forward.
