Claude Giroux traded to the Florida Panthers; only team he wanted to play for

Claude Giroux played his 1000th and likely final game as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.

“During the game I was trying to keep it together…tonight was pretty awesome,” Giroux said. “The fans, the organization, and my teammates have been so good to me for so many years.”

It didn’t take too long for the Panthers to try and figure out how to finalize the trade, especially since Giroux only wanted to leave the Flyers for one team.

According to Frank Seravalli: “Sources say Claude Giroux notified the Flyers he was only willing to accept a trade to the Panthers. That was his team, the destination. Florida knew that. I’m told Flyers never engaged in conversation with Avalanche – or any other team for that matter.”

Giroux, 34, has recorded 42 points in 57 games.

Update: Panthers on Giroux

The Panthers have just announced the full details of the trade:

The Florida Panthers have acquired forwards Claude Giroux, Connor Bunnaman and German Rubtsov as well as a 2024 fifth-round draft selection from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Owen Tippett, a conditional 2024 first-round selection and Florida’s 2023 third-round draft pick. Additionally, Philadelphia will retain 50% of Giroux’s Standard Player Contract.

Philadelphia will receive the Florida Panthers first-round 2024 selection, unless the pick falls within the top 10. In that condition, Philadelphia will receive Florida’s 2025 first-round selection.

“Claude has been one of the most complete talents in the National Hockey League for over a decade,” said GM Bill Zito in a statement. “He has demonstrated his elite leadership and work ethic during his tenure in Philadelphia and we are thrilled to be able to welcome a player of his caliber to our lineup. Additionally, we are excited to receive Connor and German into our Panthers pipeline and look forward to their growth within our system.”