Flyers

Chuck Fletcher is “Absolutely Not Trading” Claude Giroux

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jan 28th, 2019 · 12:13 PM EST

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Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher, who has the unenviable task of turning garbage into gold, met with the media this morning.

Here’s the most pertinent takeaway:

#Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher speaking to media shot down ANY speculation team would or could trade Claude Giroux with trade deadline not far away. “We are absolutely not trading Giroux.” Also said he is only player that is really untouchable in trade. @NHLFlyers @SportsRadioWIP

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) January 28, 2019

Fletcher said he, ideally, would like to be both a buyer and a seller. They won't look to add any rentals this year. Said Giroux is untouchable and a handful of others "wouldn't make much sense" to trade but he wouldn't say absolutely no if the right deal is to be made.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) January 28, 2019

Yeah? Well Giroux has a no-trade clause anyway, so he would have to waive it to go to another squad.

I would do it this way if I was running the team:

“Hello everyone. Thanks for coming. Listen, I’d just like to start by saying that everybody is on the trading block. The only guy who is untouchable right now is Carter Hart. Everybody else is available. Thank you and have a nice day.”

My opinion.

If you’re gonna rebuild, go all the way. Don’t stop. That’s not a slight to G, it just is what it is. If he wants to stay here, cool. If he wants to waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender and try to win a cup, I think that would be a smart decision on his part.

The trade deadline is 3 p.m. on February 25th.