The Daily: Is Claude Giroux Headed to the Atlantic Division?

Philadelpha Flyers star Claude Giroux is one of the impact players who could move before the March 21 trade deadline. The Score reports that the Atlantic Division’s Boston Bruins are among the teams interested in the Flyers captain.

Giroux, 34, has a no-movement clause. That means he controls where he ends up. He is having a strong season, with 35 points in 42 games  Claude Giroux’s strengths are his experience, offensive skill and versatility. He can play all three forward positions.

The Los Angeles Kings are also interested in Giroux. Other potential top players in the marketplace include Tomas Hertl, Joe Pavelski, John Klingberg and Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Bruins have opened up a nine-point lead on Detroit in the Atlantic playoff race. They also have four games in hand.

The Red Wings play the Giroux-led Flyers twice this week. The first meeting is Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Your 2022 All-Star MVP:#FLYERS CAPTAIN CLAUDE GIROUX pic.twitter.com/8mE9vxfXmH

— Flyers Nation (@PHLFlyersNation) February 5, 2022

Eichel Nearing Return

Vegas: Jack Eichel is cleared for full contact in the Vegas Golden Knights practice sessions. That means the Golden Knights will have to find a way to reduce their payroll by $5 million.

Around the NHL

Detroit:  Here are 10 Detroit Red Wings storylines to follow as we head into the second half of the NHL season.

Also, here are the five best NHL All-Star moments in Red Wings’ history

Philadelphia: Philadelphia Flyers decide to keep Cam York and Morgan Frost in the AHL as NHL play resume.

Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin’s absence disrupts Penguins lines. It helps that Drew O’Connor and Danton Heinen returned. Head coach Mike Sullivan opted for limited disruption. But lines are subject to change. Pittsburgh Penguins lines and practice notes:

Malkin is in COVID protocol, Michael Chaput and  Valterri Puustinen were recalled from the AHL to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Washington: Alex Ovechkin is COVID-free.  Hence, he is ready to return to the Washington Capitals’ lineup. However, goalie Vitek Vanecek is now on the injured list.