Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Claude Giroux has had an outstanding NHL career. No question.
But before it’s over, will it be good enough to get him enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Most Philadelphia Flyers fans believe so. Then again, they are not impartial. They watched Giroux’s dazzling play for 14 seasons in Philadelphia.
On Twitter (X), I asked fans if Giroux, who turns 37 in about two months, should end up in the Hall of Fame someday.
.@NHLFlyers in Ottawa tonight at 7, facing @28CGiroux and @Senators. Giroux has 12 points (5-7) in 15 games. He’s making a HoF bid. In or out? What do you say? He has 355 goals and 1,078 points in 1,197 career games.
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) November 14, 2024
Most think the Ottawa Senators’ left winger deserves it, pointing out he has put up superb numbers – 355 goals and 1,078 points (69th in NHL history) in 1,198 games – despite playing on mostly mediocre teams. In addition, he has made his linemates much better because of his slick passing and creative setups.
As one fan noted, Giroux, who played mostly center with the Flyers, will probably finish in the top 50 among the NHL’s point producers. He was saluted for his longevity and durability, despite his small stature.
“At Giroux’s peak, he was going toe to toe with (Sidney) Crosby on the rink,” said another fan. “I think that says all you need to know.”
Giroux also had some detractors.
“His lack of goals will probably keep him out,” wrote Robert Sullivan, “His (high) assist total doesn’t make up for a lack of goals.”
Another fan said Giroux was an A-minus player but “doesn’t belong” in the Hall.
“Too many players get in without really standing out. If ‘G’ had more awards and maybe a Cup or two, he’d be Hall of Fame material,” he wrote.
Phillip Barry had a similar point.
“If he wasn’t robbed in his MVP season, I’d say yes, but no hardware and no Cup makes it very difficult to reach,” he said.
He was of course referring to the 2017-18 season where voters surprisingly gave the award to New Jersey’s Taylor Hall. Giroux somehow finished just fourth in the voting.
Giroux had more points (102) than the three MVP finalists that season and led those players in most categories. He also carried the Flyers into the playoffs with 19 goals over the last 29 games.
A seven-time all-star, Giroux has no major awards on his resume. But perhaps the most compelling argument for his inclusion into the Hall is this: From 2010 to 2019, Giroux had more points (741) than any NHL players except Patrick Kane (792), Crosby (757) and Alex Ovechkin (749), three of the greatest players of this generation.
Giroux, known for his stickhandling and his relentless play, has strengthened his Hall of Fame chances with two-plus strong seasons in Ottawa, who dropped a 5-4 overtime decision Thursday to the visiting Flyers.
🔶 FLYERS WIN 🔶
Never EVER a doubt. 😅#PHIvsOTT | @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/r51oJssnTa
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 15, 2024
As for players who are in the Hall, Giroux already has more goals and points than many of them, including his idol, Pavel Datsyuk (314 goals, 918 points), Henrik Sedin (240 goals, 1,070 points), Guy Carbonneau (260 goals, 663 points) and Clark Gillies (319 goals, 697 points).
Before his career ends, Giroux figures to finish with around 400 goals and 1,200 points. Maybe more. That would put him ahead of numerous other Hall of Famers, including Martin St. Louis, who finished with 391 goals and 1,033 points.
Would becoming a member of the 400/1,200 club be enough to push the Cup-less Giroux into the Hall?
It should be.
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- Will Longtime NHL Star Claude Giroux Be A Hockey Hall Of Famer Someday?
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