He’s definitely got very few limits to his potential. However, it’s a stretch to say he’s better than Richards + Carter. I think the fact that he’s even gotten himself into the conversation is a testament to his ability, and with his vision and puck handling skills he may very well be the best of the bunch a few years down the line, but for right now you’re talkin bout two guys that had 160-odd points between them while playing incredible defense. Giroux CAN do that, but as we’ve been saying in Philly, let’s wait til we get at least a full season out of him before we christen him best of an elite bunch.

That said, I think he already gives Philadelphia the best C depth in the league. When you’ve got 3 lines centered by Richards, Carter, and Giroux, that’s a ton of ways to score and not be scored on. Hopefully his development continues, and the team as a whole continues to grow so that we’ll cross that Pittsburgh speed bump that has so rudely been created on our road to a Stanley Cup.

Yes, he’s been fun to watch. A half a season doesn’t make much, but this has been a topic of excitement on this blog as far back as before the trade deadline, where everyone was looking forward to the potential juggernaut of a Briere – Giroux – Upshall line. We ended up getting something very close to that with Briere – Giroux – Powe.

As the playoffs got closer, Giroux was night in night out one of the best if not the best Flyers. He has the whole package – speed, vision, stick handling, tenacity, toughness, and he’s an absolute demon around the puck. I certainly credit Richards as providing some inspiration in that category, because he’s incredibly tough around the puck, and I think he sets an example that inspires the other guys. Whatever the reason Giroux has gotten better and better at a phenomenal rate.

Next year I fully expect there’s gonna be an entire hi-light reel of this kid. The only question is, can he take the scoring up a notch. He won’t be a surprise to anyone next year.