Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux mysteriously missed a team function on Monday night because, as the team subsequently tweeted, he was being evaluated by team doctors - they would provide no further insight.
Finally, at 9 p.m., Flyers PR official Zack Hill sent an email with a message from GM Ron Hextall which read, "Claude Giroux was evaluated by team doctors and he is fine," according to Randy Miller from NJ.com.
It seems that Hextall's assessment may not have been entirely accurate as it was revealed today in a new report from Miller that Giroux is actually suffering from some type of lower body injury, and his status going forward is in question.
"I don't know the severity of it," said Flyers forward Brayden Schenn. "I haven't seen or talked to (Giroux) since (Monday), so I guess wait and see. Hopefully, it's nothing serious."
Miller learned of the injury from a source who requested anonymity because Hextall has a rule wherein only he and the injured player are allowed to speak about injuries. Hextall, who is in Toronto attending the GM Meetings, has not been available for comment.
Flyers head coach Craig Berube could offer no clarity, telling Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer that he was "in the dark," when it came to Giroux's status and/or injury.
Giroux did not participate in practice on Tuesday. He missed much of the preseason with a lower body injury that is believed to have been a groin or hip issue.
In his absence, R.J. Umberger assumed the left wing spot on the top line, and Brayden Schenn slid over to center.
"I don't know if he's out for sure," Umberger said, "But if he is, it's an opportunity."
The Flyers play Wednesday night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
