The Claude Giroux trade saga will hopefully continue until after March 17th, when he will play his 1000th career NHL game for the Orange and Black. Until then, speculation and rumors will be aplenty. I give you the latest push for the future NHL Hall of Famer, the Florida Panthers!
Okay, so it wasn’t a dark horse. Jeff Marek and Elliott Friedman recently reported on the “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” that the Panthers are a team to watch in the Giroux sweepstakes. Given that they’re one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, it’s safe to say Giroux could waive his no-movement clause to take his talents to South Beach.
Panthers Looking to Upgrade
Giroux would be an instant upgrade for Florida’s top six. He would enter as sixth in points scored by forwards, and seventh on the team (Aaron Ekblad, a defenseman, has 50pts.)
According to Colby Guy of Florida Hockey Now, Giroux could be the winger the Panthers need to play alongside Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe on the top line. Reading this news made me excited for Giroux, should this trade happen.
Owen Tippett in Return?
Chuck Fletcher, Danny Briere, Bill Barber, and Dean Lombardi went to scout the Charlotte Checkers as they played the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Why? Potentially to scout Tippett. But who is Owen Tippett?
Tippett is a 6’1” 207lb right-winger drafted tenth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old has played in 94 career NHL games scoring 33pts (14G, 19A.) He even has red hair, so it’s like Giroux never left (kidding.)
Tippett has struggled to find his scoring ways in the NHL. Last season he played in 45 games, registering 18pts (7G, 11A.) He also played in six playoff games, scoring 4pts (1G, 3A.)
The Word on Tippett
Tippett is described as a sniper with a hard and heavy shot. He combines acceleration and speed, making him dangerous on the rush. His agility creates scoring chances in the offensive zone. Imagine a future where Tippett is in the same lineup as Tyson Foerster. They’ll complement each other, creating a dangerous offense in no time.
Oh, and the man can play mean:
The Philadelphia Flyers already have a player who puts up a lot of points in the AHL, yet struggles in the NHL. That all sounds like Morgan Frost. It is frightening to think about another prospect spinning their wheels.
Tippett scores at a .66/PPG average in the playoffs. Should the Flyers make the playoffs anytime soon, maybe Tippett blooms in the postseason.
He has the potential to find a place in the Philadelphia lineup. With that powerful lineup in South Beach, it may just be a golden opportunity for Tippett.
(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
