If you followed last year, good chance you’re familiar with Giroux. Paired with the right teammates, this dude is an assist machine. At least that was the theory, and we put it to the test when he was traded to a high-powered Florida Panthers offense mid-season. Here’s how it went:
- Pre-trade: 0.42 assists per game
- Post-trade: 1.11 assists per game
Full disclosure: Anyone with a pulse could have probably averaged 0.5 assists on the 2021 Florida Panthers, but you get the point: 1.11 is elite.
His performance down the stretch inspired a different club to offer a decent contract in free agency. It was the Ottawa Senators. Not the sexiest destination for an aging vet, but it went from 6-to-midnight quick when they also inked Alex Debrincat, a 41-goal scorer last season, to pair with Giroux.
These two players project to pack a potent punch together. Tack on the fact that Josh Norris, a budding superstar and 35-goal scorer last season, is penciled to play as their 3rd linemate, and the sky is the limit for these guys this season.
Chemistry might take time to develop, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take at +140. Giroux hit the ground running (skating?) mid-season with new teammates in Florida, which makes me confident enough to back him tonight. As the season progresses and market matures, I expect the average price on Giroux’s Assist prop to settle in closer to +100. Time will tell if I’m right about that, but for now, let’s grab this +140 while we can. I personally wagered a full unit to win 1.4.
