Claude Giroux
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Play-making: Giroux has been one of the finest setup men of his generation. His vision is superb, as he can spot even the smallest of defensive openings and pick the right pass to exploit it. With great touch and timing, he can find teammates in scoring areas from anywhere in the offensive zone. Giving him even a second to breathe is a grave mistake.
Shot: He can wire accurate wristers from the slot or uncork vicious one-timers on the power play. He also displays patience and nifty mitts in tight. This versatility makes him an absolute monster on the power play. In recent years, he’s begun to look more like Joe Pavelski, scoring more frequently from the dirty areas.
Faceoffs: Giroux turned his attention to faceoffs early in his career, and he’s still among the best in the sport in this department. Winning over 55% of his draws is a huge asset for the Flyers. He can bail them out of bad defensive situations or ensure that they start with possession on the attack or man advantage.
WEAKNESSES
Physical Tools: Giroux is a serviceable skater at best, which has prevented him from truly setting the league on fire. He’s also just 5’11” and 185 pounds, and it shows at times. He can get outmuscled in the trenches and struggle to protect the puck against rangier opponents.
Defense: He’s such a wildly inconsistent player on the defensive side of the puck that he’s been moved to the wing, where he can assume a lighter three-zone workload. He’s always been capable in his end, but the focus hasn’t been there—and it still isn’t. He often takes poor angles on point men or loses races to the front of the net.
