On March 19th, 2022, longtime Flyer and beloved captain Claude Giroux was traded to the Florida Panthers. While Philadelphia is seemingly happy with what they got in return in Owen Tippett, it’s still a sensitive topic. The forward spent 15 seasons with Philadelphia. Notably, Giroux was a big reason Philadelphia was so successful in their 2010 cup run, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the finals. During Giroux’s time in Philadelphia, he had seven All-Star appearances, eight postseason appearances, and one cup run.
Recently, Giroux returned to the Wells Fargo Center as an Ottawa Senator. The Ottawa native returned home after finishing the season with 18 games in Florida. While the Senators are not necessarily a contending team, there is still no slowing down Giroux. Last season with Ottawa Giroux, they finished with 79 points, 35 goals, and 44 assists. Giroux has 39 with 14 goals this season and 25 assists throughout the midway point. Another familiar face who returned to Philadelphia was Zac MacEwen, who recorded a few seasons with the Flyers.
Giroux Returns Home
Whenever Giroux returns to the Wells Fargo Center, you will see the orange and black Giroux sweaters on most fans in attendance to show respect to their former captain.
Claude Giroux got a warm welcome today when he was announced in the Senators lineup. pic.twitter.com/1VCddcrrh1
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) January 21, 2024
Claude Giroux now wears an “A” in Ottawa. While there hasn’t been a captain since Giroux left, Scott Laughton is the lone Flyer who wears an “A” for Philadelphia.
Throughout the years, the captain has had many memorable memories. From Giroux’s first game as a Flyer. his last game in Philly. And all the games in between. There will always be a special place for #28 in Philadelphia. Most likely, his number will be retired.
Here are some of “G’s” best moments as a Flyer:
2010 Game 3 OT Winning Goal
One of my personal favorite Flyers moments was when Claude Giroux scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks with the game tied 3-3. While Philadelphia ended up losing the series to the Blackhawks this is notably one of the best Giroux moments. This solidified his legacy as a Flyer and his importance to the future of the team.
Giroux Announced As Captian
Claude Giroux became the 19th captain in Flyers history on January 16th, 2013. At the time, Giroux had played five seasons with the Flyers. Giroux took over the leadership role that Chris Pronger held before him. Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell, and Danny Briere served as Giroux’s alternate captains.
Giroux's OT Goal In The 2019 Stadium Series
One of the best Flyers games in recent years was their 2019 Stadium Series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Philadelphia trailed for the majority of the game. With six minutes left in the final frame, it looked like Pittsburgh would win as they were leading 3-1. The Flyers scored twice in the third period to force overtime. In overtime, Giroux scored the game-winning goal in front of the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
