In a week that was expected to be full of fluff pieces about the Flyers’ golfing trip to North Carolina, it was announced today by TSN that future superstar Claude Giroux has signed a three-year extension with the Flyers.
The contract is worth $11.25 million, broken down into $2.75 million in the first year, $3.50 million the second, and $5.0 million in the final year. The cap hit comes at a friendly $3.75 million for a top six center and an excellent playoff performer. It’s unknown at this point what other clauses are included in the contract, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it contained a no-trade-clause.
Giroux is only 22 years old and has yet to reach his full potential. Should Giroux shine over the length of the next contract, the Flyers will have flexibility in moving one of their older centers (I’m looking at you Briere) in time. This is a fantastic move by general manager Paul Holmgren that will benefit the club and it’s cap constraints over the next several years.
While this locks up three centermen for the foreseeable future, there’s still a chance that the Flyers re-sign center Jeff Carter by the end of the 2010-2011 season. At this point, he’s the odd man out, but Holmgren has a tendency to balance his smart moves with questionable ones. CSN was reporting a few weeks ago that Carter’s agent was in talks with the Flyers about an extension, but then again, that’s his job. Based on today’s announcement, it might not be for long.
Awesome, awesome, awesome move. Personally, i think that price is phenomenal. Great great move by Homer. I am so stoked. He could trade for a gorilla at this point and I’d be happy with him after this move. Did anyone notice that Giroux’s jersey sales were in the top 10 last year nationwide? For a 21 year old forward!? He’s not a secret to Philly baby!
Holmgren did sign a Gorilla and his name is Jody Shelley. I’m glad Giroux is signed (and remains a RFA when the deal is up) but Shelley has got to go.