Claude Giroux sounds off on his decision to choose Florida over Colorado

The top prize at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline was Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux, a pending unrestricted free-agent and one of the top players in team history. And while there were multiple suitors for his services, the two frontrunners emerged as the Colorado Avalanche and the Florida Panthers. 

In the end, Giroux chose to take his talents to the sunny shores of Sunrise, FL in a deal that saw Owen Tippett as well as the team's 2024 first-round and 2023 third-round draft picks (and a 2024 fifth-round draft pick) go back to the Flyers in return.

After scoring 23 points in 18 games after the acquisition, the Panthers would eventually win their first postseason series since 1996 with a 7-game victory over the Washington Capitals. Giroux would register two goals and five points in the Panthers’ clinching victories in Games 5 and 6, but he and the rest of his teammates would go ice-cold against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Giroux only had one assist in the four-game sweep, and is now headed into an uncertain offseason. 

“I have no negative thoughts on my decision to come here," Giroux said in Florida's end-of-season media availability. "It’s a fun place to play. I believe in this group. A lot of potential and a lot of good things to come for this organization.”

Could a return to the Panthers be in the works? If the contract and money works out, it sounds like it could happen. 

“Yeah, I do," Giroux said if he thought it was a possibility. "Obviously there’s a lot to worry about and a decision has to be made. It’s a tough question. The season just ended. I still need time to think.”

Of course, the Avalanche are one win away from the Western Conference Finals, as they enjoy a 3-2 series advantage over the St. Louis Blues. However, Giroux made it clear he has no regrets over where he chose to play after his time with the Flyers ended.