Late Monday, Colorado hockey writer Adrian Dater tweeted that Claude Giroux told Chuck Fletcher he wanted to be traded to the Avalanche:

Of course, Claude has a “no-movement clause” so he’d have to waive it before a trade to Colorado can be completed. If Dater’s report is in fact true, it adds to the speculation from ESPN’s Emily Kaplan in an article she wrote Monday:

Biggest player traded?

Claude Giroux is the longest-serving captain in Philadelphia Flyers history. He has spent his entire 15-year career with the organization. He’ll be playing for a new one this spring, with hopes of finally winning a Stanley Cup after coming so close in 2010. If Giroux is comfortable playing for a team in the West (he has two young kids and location will be a consideration) then you might just see him on the Colorado Avalanche this spring. Oh my.

The trade deadline isn’t until March 21st so a lot can happen in the next five weeks.

As a pink hat from the outside looking in with no emotional connection to the Flyers, it’s time to rip the band aid off and trade Claude Giroux. Sean Couturier is out for the season, Kevin Hayes and Ryan Ellis might join him, and the Flyers have a coach, who barring a spectacular end to the season, will be replaced. It doesn’t help that when Dave Scott mentioned the core of the Flyers at his recent press conference, he didn’t mention Giroux.

This has to suck for Flyers fans. It’s gotta feel like the Phillies dealing Cole Hamels after his no-hitter against the Cubs. It blows that G won’t have a chance to become the all-time points leader in franchise history. But at least you’ll hope to get a 1st rounder or a cornerstone for the future and you can watch Claude lift the cup this summer like Kimmo Timonen.