UPDATED: Howlings spoke with former Rangers head coach and current Edmonton bench master Tom Renney who had this to say about Alex Giroux, “Alex has proven himself at the American league level and has now put himself in a position to do the same in the NHL. Being that I am familiar with him doesn’t hurt. His vision, ability to score, and legitimate desire should help him and us.”
Alexandre Giroux, who scored 110 goals in 138 games the past two seasons has signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The Quebec City native will be reunited with ex-Rangers coach Tom Renney. The left handed shooting winger played for Renney in the one game he got in with the Rangers back in 2005. In that game he played just three shifts and drew a key penalty on the second shift that led to a power play goal.
Giroux told Howlings, that he had other NHL options, including an offer from the New York Islanders. He also had a much more substantial $1.3mm offer from the KHL that he leaves on the table in order to complete his dream of being a regular NHL player. He does it with no regrets. “It was a lot of money and it was a hard decision, but I’m really excited to have this chance to make an NHL roster,” the recently turned 29-year old said. “Coach Renney is a great coach and the organization has such a great history. I’m looking forward to going there and giving it everything I’ve got to help the team become a contender once again and prove I belong there.”
The 6’3 202-pounder played for the Hartford Wolf Pack for three seasons from 2003-2006 where he registered 74 goals, 56 assists for 130 points in 167 regular season games. In 35 playoff games for Hartford, Giroux tallied 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points.
Giroux has won back-to-back Calder Cup Championships the past two seasons as a member of the Hershey Bears and also saw 21 games in Washington. There he tallied 2 goals and three assists in limited action.
Great for Alex!!!! He certainly deserves a legitimate chance in the NHL. He’s not the quickest guy in the world, which has been the main reason he hasn’t had a good shot at the big time, but he can put the biscuit in the basket, one of the really hard parts of the game and a lost art among many players. Good luck, Alex!!!!