THANK YOU, G!

Philadelphia Flyers captain, Claude Giroux, was traded in a deal with the Florida Panthers today, Saturday, March 19. Giroux departs the team after 15 seasons in the NHL, all of which have been with the Flyers organization since he was drafted at the age of 18 in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

"This was certainly one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make for our team as we move forward without our captain," said President of Hockey Operations & General Manager, Chuck Fletcher. "Flyers fans have seen Claude grow from a talented young man to an exceptional leader for his entire career with the organization. Claude's skill level is only surpassed by his level of compete each and every day, whether it was practice or a game. As successful as he was on the ice, Claude's dedication off the ice as an ambassador in the community and role model embodies the highest of standards that define the Philadelphia Flyers. He will forever remain a special part of the Flyers family, and we wish Claude and his family nothing but the best as he continues his career."

"It's impossible to put into words just how much Claude Giroux has meant to the Philadelphia Flyers organization. He is the longest serving captain in Flyers history, only the second Flyer to play 1000 games in the orange and black, and a seven-time all star, but all of that still doesn't fully capture what he has meant to this city and this proud franchise," said Flyers Governor Dave Scott. "This is a difficult, bittersweet day, but we are excited to watch Claude compete in the playoffs for Florida this year, and there is no question that Claude will always be a Flyer."

Giroux was traded to the Panthers, along with forwards Connor Bunnaman, German Rubtsov and the Flyers' fifth round pick in 2024 and the Flyers received forward Owen Tippett, a first round pick in 2024 and a third round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Drafts in return from Florida.

During his remarkable career with the Flyers, Giroux has recorded 291 goals and 609 assists for 900 points in 1,000 games in Orange & Black.

AMONG THE GREATEST FLYERS
Giroux recently appeared in his 1000th game on Thursday, Mar. 17 to become the second player in team history to play all 1000 games with the Flyers. He was also the 368th player in NHL history to reach that mark, as well as just the 71st player to play 1000 games with the same team.

He ranks second in Flyers history in points (900), assists (609), games played (1000) and is the Flyers all-time leader in overtime goals (11) and power-play points (339).

On Jan. 15, 2013 he was named the 19th captain in franchise history and has served as the team's leader longer than any player in Flyers history both in length of time and games played with 715 games wearing the "C".

During his tenure, Giroux has finished the season leading, or tied for the team lead, in points for eight of the last 11 seasons. He departs the Flyers this season with 42 points (18g-24a) in 56 games.

PLAYOFF PERFORMER
Giroux has also appeared in 85 career Stanley Cup Playoff games where he has recorded 25 goals and 48 assists for 73 points, which ranks sixth all-time in Flyers history.

In his first full season with the Flyers in 2009-10, Giroux helped lead the team on their run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final when he recorded 21 points (10g-11a) in 23 games, which included the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Flyers a 4-3 win in Game Three against the Chicago Blackhawks.

During the team's 2012 First Round series vs. Pittsburgh, he recorded 14 points (6g-8a) in the six-game series win over the Penguins, which ranks second for most points in a single playoff series and included a six-point outing in Game Two on Apr. 13, 2012 with a hat trick and three assists which is the most points in a playoff game in Flyers history.

PICKING UP HARDWARE
Giroux holds the Flyers record for the most Bobby Clarke Trophies as the Flyers most valuable player winning the award five times (2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2018).

He has also won the Gene Hart Memorial Award (2011) as the Flyer who plays with the most "Heart" as voted by the Flyers official fan club, and the Toyota Cup on six occasions which is awarded for the most accumulated points for being named "Star of the Game" (2012-16 & 2018).

During the 2013-14 season, Giroux recorded 86 points (28g-58a) to lead the Flyers and following the regular season, he was named a finalist for the NHL's Hart Trophy as Most Valuable Player.

Giroux's best season came during the 2017-18 campaign when he recorded 102 points in 82 games to finish second among all players in the NHL. He became just the ninth player in Flyers history to post a 100-point season and the first to have accomplished that feat in over 20 years.

This season, Giroux was named to his seventh NHL All-Star Game, which is tied for the second-most in Flyers history, and became just the third Flyer to earn MVP honors this season joining Wayne Simmonds (LA-2017) and Reggie Leach (DET-1980).

A LEADER OFF THE ICE
Giroux's footprint on the city of Philadelphia and the Flyers community will continue to leave a lasting impact.

In 2010, Giroux founded "Giroux's Crew" and personally purchased a suite to host members of the community and numerous charity foundation at every Flyers home game which has totaled over 1 million dollars in donations throughout the years.

He has been an active member in visits and donations to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and has hosted several benefit nights that have raised funds for charities each year.

Giroux has dedicated his time and efforts in hosting several Make-A-Wish kids and giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Flyers games which has included trips to the locker room and skating with the team after practices.

Throughout his years, he has served as the team's ambassador for Hockey Fights Cancer, Military Appreciation, Pride nights and Autism Awareness.

IN THE BEGINNING...
A native of Hearst, Ontario, Giroux was selected in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers.

He received his first call up to the Flyers on emergency basis while he was a member of the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) on Feb. 18, 2008 and appeared in his first NHL game on Feb. 19 at Ottawa. He made his debut in front of Flyers fans for the first time two days later in Philadelphia on Feb. 21, 2008 vs. San Jose before returning to the Olympiques.

The following season in 2008-09, he split time with the club's American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, where he was named to the AHL All-Star Game but did not participate due to being recalled to the Flyers where he would permanently remain.

Giroux recorded his first point in the NHL on Dec. 30, 2008 at Vancouver and scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 27, 2009 at Florida. He would finish the season with 27 points (9g-18a) in 42 games.