The idea was nice while it lasted. Flyers fans who pictured Claude Giroux pulling on that orange jersey one last time for a farewell tour? It’s not happening.
Giroux officially re-signed with the Ottawa Senators on a one-year deal worth $2 million with up to $5 million in bonuses. That closes the door on any speculation he’d return to Philadelphia, the team that drafted him and where he spent 14 seasons as captain.
Senators general manager Steve Staios said Giroux took his time deciding. He didn’t rush into anything. And when he finally made his call, Staios was happy with the result.
“Claude took his time to evaluate his options and his decision to re-sign with us shows his belief and commitment to our group,” Staios said via NHL.com. “He is the consummate professional and brings veteran experience to our core on and off the ice.”
Why Giroux Stayed
Giroux didn’t dance around the question. He said he likes the guys in that room. He said they feel like family.
“I chose to come back because I want to be here. I’m excited to be an Ottawa Senator,” Giroux said. “Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. This team feels like a family. I just care for those players.”
That’s not the kind of thing you say if you’re halfway out the door. Giroux could have taken less money or a shorter deal to go chase a cup somewhere else. He didn’t.
The Backstory
Giroux was traded by the Flyers to the Florida Panthers at the 2022 trade deadline. That summer, he signed a three-year contract with Ottawa. He signed a one-year extension last offseason, which was essentially a bridge to this decision.
Now he’s locked in for another year. The Senators get a guy with 379 career goals and 786 assists. That’s not just a veteran presence. That’s a guy who can still produce.
What This Means for Philly
The Flyers are in a weird spot. They’re not bad enough to tank but not good enough to contend. Bringing back Giroux for one season would have been a nice nostalgia play, but it wouldn’t have moved the needle much. And maybe that’s why both sides moved on.
Giroux turns 37 in January. His next contract after this one might be his last. He chose to spend it with a team that’s been building something, even if they haven’t quite broken through yet.
Ottawa missed the playoffs last season. But with Giroux on board and a young core that includes Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk, the Senators think they’re close. Giroux thinks so too. That’s why he’s still there.
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