Claude Giroux admits it will be weird to face Flyers

When the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers square off tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre it will be the first time Claude Giroux faces his old team.

Before he was traded to the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline last season, he suited up for his 1000th game with the Flyers. It was also his last game.

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

Tonight will be “weird” he admitted and it should be pretty emotional. However, once the puck drops it will be all about ending the Senators four game losing streak.

Claude Giroux on facing Flyers

claude giroux
Sep 24, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Claude Giroux (28) skates during the warmup against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Giroux spoke with the media earlier today, and admitted how difficult it was to move on from the Flyers after spending 15 seasons with them.

“I never thought I’d play for another team, to be honest,” Giroux said, “until my last year with Philly when everything kind of happened. Everything kind of happened fast, too. It’s just something that you never think of because you’ve been there for a long time. I really loved playing in front of those fans and wearing that jersey. I did it with a lot of pride. I never really thought of playing for another team. But here I am now.”

NHL.com

The native of Hearst, Ontario inked a 3-year deal with the Senators this past summer after the Panthers fell in the second round of the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Giroux, 34, is playing well heading into the matchup with 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games. On the season he has 9 points in 10 games.

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