Giroux, Voracek Crack NHL Network’s Top 20 Wingers List

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Matt Mastrogiovanni, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

Throughout the summer, the NHL Network has been compiling lists of the top 20 players in each position. In the most recent installment, unveiled on Sunday, the league's top 20 wingers were spotlighted with Flyers wingers Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek both making the list.

At No. 16, Voracek's passing ability was a huge talking point for the network's analysts. The Czech winger posted 65 assists last season, landing him at fourth in the league in the category and just three assists behind Giroux for the lead on the Flyers roster. In addition, the right winger's 85 points was a career high and a whopping 24-point improvement from the prior season.

Opposite of Voracek with the No. 7 spot on the list, Giroux's resurgence was the highlight of his time. Head coach Dave Hakstol made the decision to move the longtime center to the wing before last season began and, boy, did it pay off.

The captain proved he was far from declining as he put up 102 points, coming in second to only Edmonton's Connor McDavid in the entire NHL. He did however lead the Flyers in scoring, both in points and goals (34). Giroux had career highs in all categories.

Somehow, Giroux's stellar season went somewhat unnoticed when he was overlooked as a Hart Trophy nominee, finishing in fourth in voting and not making the list of finalists for the NHL Awards in June.

Last season proved to be a renaissance for both players and it propelled the Flyers back into the postseason. With another season just around the corner, each one of the dynamic duo has much to live up to after their prior performance.