Claude Giroux: Super Star

Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers has been named the QMJHL playoff MVP. Giroux had 17 goals and 34 assists, totaling 51 points in just 19 games. Giroux's Gatineau Olympiques won their record-setting, 7th President's Cup trophy.

The most valuable player award was handed out to superstar forward Claude Giroux by Raymond Bolduc, the QMJHL Director of Hockey Operations. He collected seventeen goals and thirty-four helpers during the Olympiques’ magic run. Moreover, Giroux recorded at least one point in ten straight playoff games, a QMJHL record.

Gatineau will travel to Kitchener to represent the QMJHL at the Memorial Cup, which is held from May 16 to 25. I cannot expect Giroux to not be with the Phantoms or the Flyers next season. He has incredibily too much talent. Giroux was selected 22nd overall in the 2006 NHL draft.

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Around the Rink: Flyers News

According to Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post,

The Flyers will likely bring up Denis Gauthier if they make the playoffs. They cannot call him up before April 6th, however, because he will likely be picked up by another team through the waiver process.

"Denis is an NHL defenseman," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "He's a victim of the salary cap."

Denis Gauthier, if he doesn't commit the stupid penalties he did with the Flyers last year, would be an improvement of the third-line defensemen that the Flyers have put out thus far this year. When Randy Jones returns, he will replace Lasse Kukkonen in the line-up. Gauthier will compete with Modry and Parent for the final defensive pairing.

Currently, Claude Giroux's junior team, the Gatineau Olympiques is currently in the playoffs and holding 2-0 series lead in the first round. As long as the Olympiques keep winning, Giroux will remain with them, which could be until the end of May. Giroux already has 2 goals and 5 assists in those two games.

Lastly, Paul Holmgren has begun contract talks with Jeff Carter's agent, Rick Curran, but nothing is imminent. Carter becomes a restricted free-agent July 1st and there is a strong possibility that he may receive an offer sheet from another team. It'd be smart for the Flyers to try and lock him up long-term before another team sets his price.

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Claude Giroux - Nike Piece

The 700 Level found this nice little video of Claude Giroux.



John Stevens says Giroux may get an opportunity to play alongside Briere. Stefan Ruzicka has also been called up. [Flyers]

Currently the Flyers are 7th in the conference and 4th in the Atlantic.

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Forsberg Decision Tomorrow?

From the Toronto Sun:

"The last I heard is Peter is going to decide probably by (tomorrow) whether he's going to play," Holmgren said yesterday.

Many media outlets have said the same thing, but I am not sure if it'll ever happen with all the recent talk. I've also read reports that he will likely not sign with the Flyers, largely due to their recent rash if injuries and losses.

In other surprising news, according to HockeyBuzz, Flyers winger prospect Claude Giroux will make his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators. Claude Giroux has been playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Currently, he leads the league in points with 88 (33 goals, 55 assists) in 47 games. He is rated as the Flyers third best prospect behind JVR and Downie.

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