While he would fit a need that NMC will surely stop any trade to the Pens

Idk, him and Guentzel seemed to get along perfectly fine at the all star game. He knows that the pens are a cup contender and I think he would go to the pens if he really wanted a cup

Tkachuk and Draisaitl got along just fine at the all star game last year as well. That event really doesnt mean much it terms of where a player may waive.

Im also quite hesitant to call the Pens a legitimate contender, he's been linked to Colorado for a while now and they are a way better team than Pittsburgh

I think the state of Pennsylvania would burn down before this happens

Pittsburgh are a contender... they're not a cup favorite. They're not Colorado, Florida, Carolina, or Tampa... but they're the tier below for sure.

Thats more or less what I meant, they are the arch rival team and if the option between them and Colorado exists you take Colorado

That begs the question... Does Colorado want Giroux? Can a deal be struck between Philadelphia and Colorado for him? If there's no deal to go to Colorado, you cannot go to Colorado.

I mean he's been linked to them countless times now. With both teams scouting eachother a lot too. Colorado is also reported to want a top 6 winger. The cap works with either of Jost or Compher going the other way too.

Basically there is a lot of smoke so likely some fire

He's going to be dealt wherever he wants. Is that close to where he is now so his family doesn't have to move? Maybe. It's not out of this world possibility that he goes there. Still think he goes to Colorado for a playoff run.

Giroux said he would play for Colorado, St Louis, Minnesota. Now there are Tampa, Florida and Canes linked to him too. But he will play his 1000 games with the flyers before anything happens, and knowing how Giroux is, he will never agree to play for the Pens even if they were 1st overall in the standings. You wont make a flyers captain who has played 1000 games with the team, sign with their rivals.

I mean crazier things have happened. He will either we be playing w Crosby or Malkin 5v5 and join a powerplay of guentzel, Letang Geno sid. Definitely not a bad spot for a UFA trying to get a decent contract next year

Edit: Imagine Sid and Giroux in 2012 together. Would've been nuts