Flyers (finally) call up Claude Giroux

The Flyers are about to embark on a 6 game road trip and they have called on some reinforcements to help them through their injuries. Claude Giroux, a 1st round pick in 2006, was called up from the Phantoms and will join the Flyers tonight in Chicago. Giroux played two games with the Flyers last season and failed to register a point. He has been the leading scorer with the Phantoms this season with 33 points in 31 games.

I was initially surprised that the Flyers sent Giroux to the minors at the beginning of the year because I thought this would be the season he would step into a regular role. The Flyers felt no reason to rush him so they let him log some time in the AHL to learn more about the pro game. Considering he is 5th in the AHL is scoring, Giroux quickly proved with the Phantoms that he is ready for the big time.

Giroux will need to slide into a scoring role with the Flyers, he won't be playing with the 4th line. I would look for him on the 3rd line on the wing initially and he could move up from there. He really needs to be playing with guys like Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne to fully utilize his offensive skills but for now he will have to create offense with lesser players like Glen Metropolit.

Giroux is the most exciting player in the Flyers minor league system and it will be fun to watch him develop with the big club. The Flyers already have one of the most potent scoring teams in the NHL and they just got even better.