09/10 Salary: $821,666
[ Hockey Reference Player Page ]
Alright, let’s be honest here for a second. Claude Giroux didn’t really have a great season last year.
I know, 47 points for a second-year player isn’t terrible, and maybe our expectations for G are a little out there this early in his career, but how can they not be when he does stuff like this and this? Or this or this or this or this?
You get the point.
I’m expecting Giroux to have a breakout season in 2010-11, but that’s only if a few things improve from last season. Most importantly, Giroux needs to play with some better linemates. I know that it says above that his most frequent linemates were Richards and Gagne, but we know how much time he spent on the third line last season.
Playing with a rookie who’s not on the same page yet and a grinder who just simply can’t keep up are not the best ways to utilize Giroux’s talents. James van Riemsdyk will improve this season, and if they’re still playing together, G will reap those benefits as well.
For now, though, if we’re grading Claude Giroux’s 2009-10 season, a B- is really the best we can do. (Okay, maybe we can give him an A+ for closing out Game 7 against Boston on his own, but whatever.) It’s not all his fault, but a player with the skills he has should be having a much better year on the score sheet. Expect it this season.
Check out our new “Giroux Cheese” tees at the BSH Store!
How would you grade Claude Giroux’s 2009-10 season?
| A | 37 |
| A- / B+ | 110 |
| B | 115 |
| B- / C+ | 34 |
| C | 6 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 1 |
