NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers Expected to Trade Claude Giroux

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, he believes the Philadelphia Flyers are likely going to trade Claude Giroux before the Mar.21 trade deadline. 

The Flyers have lost three games in a row and seem to be free falling thanks to a number of key injuries and some underwhelming performances out of their core players. Giroux has managed to enjoy a fine season despite the team's struggles, recording 29 points in 32 games. He holds a full no-movement clause and is a pending free agent. There's no doubt he's driving the bus in any trade.

Giroux has spent his entire career in Philly so this would certainly signal a changing of the guard for the franchise. He's done nothing but battle game in and game out and produce along the way to the tune of 887 points in 976 career games. This to go along with 73 points in 85 Stanley Cup Playoff games. 

It's obvious there is going to be a ton of trade interest from around the league as Giroux-type of players don't grow on trees for contending teams. Even with his $8.27 million contract for this season, the Flyers would retain some money and a third team could get involved if need be. If someone wants him bad enough, they will facilitate whatever needs to happen.

Teams you can expect the Flyers to hear from if Giroux decides he wants to go for the Cup include the Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. Each team has some cap space to work with, especially the Predators who currently have $19 million to work with. Massive space come the trade deadline and the Flyers and Preds have completed deals very recently so perhaps another is on the horizon.

Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports