March 21, 2022

Claude Giroux introduced as a Florida Panther. It's weird.

New Panther Claude Giroux (man, that's weird) was introduced to Sunrise Monday

By Nick Tricome
PhillyVoice Staff

Claude Giroux was introduced as the newest member of the Florida Panthers on Monday.

Here is Giroux wearing a Florida Panthers hat, standing in front of a Florida Panthers backdrop, at a Florida Panthers podium, talking about the Florida Panthers.

Claude Giroux addressing the media ⁦@FLALiveArena⁩ #flapanthers pic.twitter.com/MzLyD8atCe
— Doug Plagens (@DougPlagens) March 21, 2022

Sorry, but after 15 years, this is really gonna take some getting used to.

Anyway, here's a bit of what the former Flyers captain (man...) told the Florida media on Monday:

“My job is to come in here, blend in and help the team win.” - Claude Giroux has arrived in South Florida. pic.twitter.com/kX6iRyEFNl
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) March 21, 2022

Claude Giroux after landing in South Florida: “I’m here to win. I’m here to help the team win. I think this team has a great chance to go far in the playoffs.” pic.twitter.com/au7gB8Xn7v
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 21, 2022

I just asked Giroux about his desire to win the Stanley Cup and how it factored into his decision to come to Florida.

He boldly stated, "That’s the reason this trade happened."
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) March 21, 2022

"There was something about Florida, every time I tuned into a game, I just liked the way they played. For me, I thought it would be a perfect fit." - Claude Giroux
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) March 21, 2022

Giroux on Sasha Barkov:

"If I have a chance to play on his line, it'll be like the first time going to school, just giggling a little bit."
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) March 21, 2022

And on the past few days, Giroux told ESPN about Flyers fans:

"Yeah, I mean, the last four days, the fans have been unbelievable. Everywhere I went, they had so many nice things to say, and it's definitely not an easy place to play in, but they're passionate, they're intense, they're nuts, and that's the kind of fans you want to play for.
When the game's intense, you know you can count on them." [ESPN/Ryan Gilbert]

"The last four days, the fans have been unbelievable ... they're passionate, they're intense, they're nuts. That's the kind of fans you want to play for. When the game's intense, you know you can count on 'em."

- Claude Giroux on Flyers fans pic.twitter.com/yyLJXoUfWV
— Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) March 21, 2022

Claude Giroux said he was filled with emotion Thursday in his 1,000 NHL game celebration in Philly — especially knowing he was going to be traded soon afterward.
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) March 21, 2022

Emotional for him and Flyers fans everywhere, for sure.

The Panthers lead the Atlantic Division, and the Eastern Conference, with 90 points at 42-14-6. They're one of the hottest teams in the league right now (7-2-1 in their last 10 games) and have as deep of a lineup as any.

In fact, Giroux is expected to join Panthers captain Sasha Barkov and breakout star Carter Verhaeghe on the top line when they play in Montreal Thursday night, according to FloridaHockeyNow's George Richards. (Daily Faceoff already made the update too)

He'll be moving back to left wing and holding on to No. 28.

There are no guarantees at the end of the day, but for the 35-year old Giroux, this is one of the best shots at the Stanley Cup you can get.

And Philadelphia will almost assuredly be pulling for him.

Speaking of, back in Philly (or...Voorhees)...