As the trade deadline passes and the Flyers open up a few roster spots, it presents more of an opportunity for younger players to get more of a look at increased roles in the NHL. GM Chuck Fletcher used Sunday's game as an example of what he hopes to see for the rest of the season, "energy, hard work, young players playing a bigger role and getting an opportunity to show what they can do for next year."
Claude Giroux was introduced as a member of the Florida Panthers on Monday, his choice team and reportedly the only team he would waive his no-movement clause for a trade to take place. “Those details are going to stay private with Chuck Fletcher, but Florida was top of my list,” Giroux said.
The Flyers moved Justin Braun at the trade deadline to the New York Rangers for a 2023 third-round pick. So was Derick Brassard, who heads to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2023 fourth-round pick.
It’s not about whether Owen Tippett has the ability in him. That’s what got him drafted 10th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. It’s about if he can consistently have noticeable performances like the one in his Flyers debut on Sunday, especially if the opportunity for ice time and an increased role is there.
"We signed Claude eight years ago to a lengthy, superstar type of contract, which he earned, and as part of that contract he had a no move clause and he earned that right to decide, to have a big say in where he would go, I think is the best way to put it,” Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said. “I did have a very limited market in terms of the teams I could speak with."
In the end, Giroux ultimately held the keys to his destination. Florida was where he wanted to be. That left the Flyers limited in what they could get in return. If nothing else, the return in the Giroux deal is more of a reality of what the state of the Flyers is and remains after this trade, and the result of years of shortcomings by the organization.
The Flyers extension of Rasmus Ristolainen makes for a confusing message and sense of direction, just as the trade deadline starts to approach and a time to set the foundation for change draws near.
The Flyers have re-signed defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to a five-year, $25.5 million extension with a $5.1 million average annual value, GM Chuck Fletcher announced on Thursday.