Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux, a pending unrestricted free agent, has expressed his desire to play another season. The 38-year-old veteran, who has spent his last four years with the Senators, is not ready to retire and wants to continue his career in Ottawa. His agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed Giroux’s intention to play, stating, “He wants to play for sure.” While contract negotiations have not yet begun, it’s anticipated that a deal could be reached quickly. Giroux’s previous contract was worth $2 million with potential bonuses up to $2.75 million based on games played and playoff performance. A similar structure is expected for any new agreement.
Goaltending Options for the Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are also actively exploring their goaltending options as they look for a reliable backup to play behind Linus Ullmark. Veteran James Reimer could be a potential one-year deal option, and Leevi Merilainen is also being considered internally. The team is also assessing the external goalie market.
Several external candidates are being discussed:
- Stuart Skinner (Pittsburgh Penguins, UFA): Believed to be a primary target, Skinner would not face the pressure of being a No. 1 goaltender. However, contract length and salary could be factors.
- Connor Ingram (Edmonton Oilers, UFA): The Oilers may attempt to re-sign Ingram, but a one-year deal might be achievable, potentially with less competition.
- Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes, UFA): His strong playoff performance has likely increased his value. He earned $2.75 million last season.
- Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild): Acquiring Wallstedt would likely come at a significant cost, with speculation that the Wild might demand Brady Tkachuk in return.
Claude Giroux Wants to Return to Ottawa Senators Next Season
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux wants to play another season. The 38-year-old is a pending UFA.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen adds that Giroux, after four years with the Senators, is not ready to end his career. His agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed via text, “He wants to play for sure.” Giroux himself stated on exit day that if he plays next year, he wishes to do so in Ottawa. Although discussions about a new deal haven’t commenced, it’s expected to be finalized efficiently. Last season, Giroux signed for $2 million with potential bonuses totaling up to $2.75 million based on games played and playoff achievements. A similar bonus structure is likely for his next contract.
Last year’s bonus structure included:
- $250,000 for each of 20, 30, and 60 games played.
- $250,000 if Ottawa made the playoffs and he played 50 games.
- $500,000 if Ottawa won Round 1.
- $250,000 if Ottawa won Round 2.
- $500,000 if Ottawa won Round 3.
- $500,000 if Ottawa won the Stanley Cup.
Goaltending Solutions for the Ottawa Senators
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen also addresses the Senators’ goaltending needs. The team requires a dependable backup for Linus Ullmark. James Reimer demonstrated he can still perform and might be an option on a one-year contract. Leevi Merilainen is another possibility, but the Senators will also explore the broader goalie market.
Potential external goaltending targets include:
- Stuart Skinner โ Pittsburgh Penguins โ UFA: Considered a top free-agent target, Skinner wouldn’t face the pressure of being the starter. However, contract terms and salary could pose challenges.
- Connor Ingram โ Edmonton Oilers โ UFA: The Oilers might aim to re-sign him, but there’s a possibility of securing him on a one-year deal with less competition.
- Frederik Andersen โ Carolina Hurricanes โ UFA: His playoff performance has likely boosted his market value. He earned $2.75 million last year.
- Jesper Wallstedt โ Minnesota Wild: The cost to acquire Wallstedt is expected to be substantial, with reports suggesting the Wild would seek Brady Tkachuk in a trade.
