Flyers Name New Captain

The Philadelphia Flyers have officially named Claude Giroux as their new captain. The 25-year-old center will replace the injured Chris Pronger (post-concussion symptoms), taking lead of the team.

When asked about being named the 19th captain in Flyers history, Giroux simply stated, "This is a huge honor."

Claude Giroux becomes the 5th youngest captain for Philadelphia. Youthful captains have had great success for the Flyers.

Bobby Clarke, who was named captain at the young age of 23, during the 1972-73 season, went on to win 2 Stanley Cups for Philadelphia in his second and third year as captain.

Mel Bridgman wore the 'C' for the Flyers during the 1979-80 season and took Philadelphia to the Stanley Cup that very season (ultimately losing to the Islanders in 6 games).

Eric Lindros, the youngest captain in Flyers history, was given the honor in the 1994-95 season at the age of 21. He took the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in his third year of captaincy during the 1996-97 season (lost to Detroit in 4).

Then Mike Richards, 24, was named captain in 2008-09. In his second season serving as the captain, Richards took the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2009-10 (lost to Chicago in 6). 

Giroux had a career year last season, notching 28 goals, 64 assists, and 93 points (all career highs) in 77 games. He then went on to have one of the best postseasons in Flyers history, despite being eliminated in the second round. Giroux scored 14 points in the first series (second best in franchise history only to Tim Kerr, 15) and 17 points in 10 games, including 8 goals, which tied him for the league lead in the playoffs with three others despite only playing in two series.

Giroux was drafted by Philadelphia in 2006 (22nd overall) and has played 285 games, scoring 243 points.

When asked how captaincy would change his game, Giroux responded, "It's not going to change the way I am on the ice or in the room. I'm going to be the same player on and off (the ice); I'm pretty excited."

Scott Hartnell responded to the news saying, "I couldn't think of a better player to be our captain." 

Kimmo Timonen will be the Flyers associate captain, wearing the 'C' in Giroux's absence, if necessary, while Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell will serve as the assistant captains.

Click here to read more about Claude Giroux!

Injury Update

Daniel Briere has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left wrist. He did, however, skate with the team at Tuesday's and Wednesday's practices, but only participated in skating drills. He is not yet cleared for shooting drills. Briere is questionable for the first 2 games of the season.

Waiver Wire

The Flyers placed recently acquired goaltender Brian Boucher on waivers, along with defenseman Andreas Lilja; both are expected to start the season in the AHL, playing for the Adirondack Phantoms.

Josh Kaz writes constantly about the Flyers at dropthepuck.org.