Claude Giroux is having one of the best seasons of his career this year. After a few seasons of continuously declining point totals, he was met with a lot of criticism from the Flyers fanbase before this year’s campaign started. People were quick to claim that he had lost a step and would’ve happily seen him traded.
Giroux faced their doubts head on and now sits tied for 4th place in the league in points and third in assists. The most noticeable difference between last year’s Giroux and this year’s is his health. He underwent successful hip and abdominal surgery in May of 2016 and it’s believed that it took him a bit longer than expected to rehab from the procedure.
As a result of his resurgence this year, Giroux has been showered with praise by fans and critics alike. He’s been especially productive of late and has even been honored by the NHL.
Congratulations to @28CGiroux, the @NHL’s First Star of the Week! ?
More: https://t.co/WmJF4Z3LKd pic.twitter.com/av4xmJ8SKI
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 12, 2018
Your @Molson_Canadian Three Stars of the Week!
⭐ @28CGiroux
⭐⭐ @johngaudreau03
⭐⭐⭐ Devan Dubnyk
Details: https://t.co/5s6No3wr31 pic.twitter.com/VtUtK4WigP— NHL (@NHL) February 12, 2018
Is this the year Claude “best player in the world – Peter Laviolette” Giroux wins a Hart trophy? Definitely not outside the realm of possibility. A Sean Couturier Selke to go with it? Now that would be something to see. Anything is possible this year for this team on the rise. One thing is certain, the future is bright in Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
