Claude Giroux, Senators Reportedly Nearing New Contract amid NHL Free Agency Rumors

Claude Giroux is headed back for a fifth season with the Ottawa Senators.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Giroux and the Senators are finalizing a contract agreement that will see him return to Ottawa:

Giroux hit unrestricted free agency after recording 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists) while playing all 82 games in his age-38 season with the Senators.

He was held off the scoresheet in four playoff games before the Senators were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes.

After 15 years with the Philadelphia Flyers and a brief stint with the Florida Panthers, Giroux arrived in Ottawa after signing a three-year, $19.5 million deal with his hometown team in 2022.

Giroux said at the time he wouldn't have signed the contract if he didn't think the Senators "had a chance to win the Cup," per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

The Senators went on to earn playoff berths in consecutive years but lost in the first round both times.

Giroux's return could be seen as his vote of confidence those two playoff bids mean his team is ready to take the next step in 2027.

After starting out his Senators career on the team's top line alongside Tim Stützle, Giroux spent most of his time in the Senators' bottom six last season.

The Senators will look for Giroux to once more provide veteran forward depth ahead of another potential playoff run next spring.

Giroux was originally selected by the Flyers in the first round of the 2006 draft. He is heading into his 20th NHL season tied for 19th among all active goalscorers with 379 in 1,345 career games.