The Bruins’ need for a second-line center hasn’t been quite as pressing given the way Erik Haula has fit in with Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak, but that doesn’t mean general manager Don Sweeney isn’t still monitoring the market ahead of the NHL’s March 21 trade deadline.
Arguably the biggest name at the center position that could get moved is longtime Philadelphia Flyer Claude Giroux. So, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if the Bruins have at least checked in with Philly GM Chuck Fletcher.
Sure enough, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast that he believes Sweeney has done just that.
“I think Boston’s probably kicked tires on this,” Friedman said while discussing the market for Giroux.
The Colorado Avalanche had been considered the favorites to land Giroux for a while, but Friedman said he believes the Avs may be prioritizing another target instead (he didn’t say who). He added that the New York Rangers have checked on Giroux as well, but that his favorite as of now to land Giroux -- if he gets traded -- would be one of the Bruins’ Atlantic Division rivals.
“I’ve believed for some time now that Florida, if I was placing a wager -- and it wouldn’t be a very confident wager, because I’m not sure where this is all gonna go -- Florida might be that team,” Friedman said.
A trade between the Bruins and Flyers, especially one involving Philly’s second-leading scorer all-time, may have been unfathomable a decade ago when the two were duking it out in the playoffs, but the rivalry has certainly cooled in recent years and it’s hard to imagine that either the Flyers or Giroux would rule out Boston as a candidate (Giroux does have a full no-movement clause).
Giroux wouldn’t address the Bruins’ long-term questions at center -- he’s 34 and a free agent after the season -- but he would certainly help any team for the rest of this season.
Giroux is still producing at a pretty high level (40 points in 52 games this season) and he’s still a terrific two-way player who can help drive a line. His presence could elevate the Bruins’ second line even more, and he could also make sure Taylor Hall’s game doesn’t drop off if Bruce Cassidy were to move David Pastrnak back to the top line at some point. Giroux has also played some wing in the past, so moving him around if needed could be an option as well.
Obviously, Giroux wouldn’t come cheap, especially with a number of other playoff teams expected to be in play for his services. There has not been much reported about what the Flyers would want in return, but it’s safe to assume a package would probably start with a first-round pick or top prospect.
