NHL Rumors: Panthers And Flyers Could Complete Blockbuster

In his most recent 32 Thoughts piece, Elliotte Friedman stated that the Florida Panthers are a team to watch in the Claude Giroux sweepstakes.

Friedman noted that there are no guarantees that Giroux will end up there, but that there appears to be a perfect match between them. At this point of the season, the Panthers have a 33-10-5 record and are Stanley Cup favorites. As a result of this, they are expected to be massive buyers at the deadline and could see Giroux as the kind of to add to their forward group.

The Panthers are likely going to trade Owen Tippett if they bring in a top-of-the-line player before the deadline passes. This would open a spot at right wing for Giroux, so it is easy to understand Friedman's mindset here. With that, he also would give them another leader in their locker room and just far more firepower upfront.

Giroux reportedly has made it known that the Colorado Avalanche would be his primary trade destination, while the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild are his backups. Yet, if the Panthers did enter the sweepstakes, it's hard to believe that he wouldn't at least consider accepting a trade there. They are arguably the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

Alas, it will be fun to see what happens from here with Giroux.