In a move that cements veteran leadership for the foreseeable future, Claude Giroux has confirmed his commitment to staying with the Ottawa Senators through the upcoming season, putting to rest swirling rumors about potential trades that had fans on edge throughout much of the summer.
The 36-year-old forward, who grew up in nearby Orléans, made his intentions clear during informal skates at the Canadian Tire Centre last week. “Ottawa’s home for me and my family,” Giroux told reporters after practice. “I’ve got another year on my contract, and I’m excited about what we’re building here.”
Giroux, who signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Senators in July 2022, is entering the final year of that deal. His decision to remain with the team rather than request a trade to a contender speaks volumes about his belief in the organization’s direction despite missing the playoffs in his first two seasons with the club.
Last season, Giroux tallied 21 goals and 42 assists for 63 points in 82 games – solid production that demonstrated he still has plenty to offer on the ice. Beyond statistics, his presence in the locker room has proven invaluable for a young Senators team still finding its identity.
New head coach Travis Green has reportedly been in regular contact with Giroux throughout the summer, discussing team leadership and system adjustments. “Having someone with Claude’s experience and hockey IQ is like having another coach on the ice,” Green noted during a recent interview with TSN 1200.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment for the Senators organization. After several seasons of rebuilding, pressure is mounting to translate promising young talent into playoff contention. The addition of Vladimir Tarasenko this offseason signals the team’s intention to compete now rather than later.
Fellow veteran Tim Stützle, who has often credited Giroux with helping elevate his game, expressed relief at the news. “G is the heartbeat of our team in many ways,” Stützle said. “The way he prepares, how he sees the game – it’s something all of us learn from every day.”
For Giroux, the decision likely balances professional ambition with personal priorities. His deep Ottawa connections – including raising his young family in the community – have clearly factored into his commitment to seeing through the rebuilding process.
Senators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios acknowledged Giroux’s importance to the organization beyond on-ice performance. “Claude represents everything we want our team to stand for – professionalism, dedication, and community connection,” Staios said in a statement released by the team.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the news, with season ticket renewals seeing an uptick following Giroux’s confirmation. Local sports merchandise retailers report his #28 jersey remains among the top sellers heading into the new season.
The Senators begin their preseason schedule next week, with Giroux expected to center one of the top two lines. His chemistry with wingers Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson was evident in stretches last season, though Green may experiment with different combinations as training camp progresses.
As Ottawa’s hockey landscape continues evolving, having the stability of Giroux’s leadership provides a valuable anchor. Whether this season marks his final chapter with the Senators or the beginning of a contract extension remains to be seen, but for now, both the player and team are focused on transforming potential into results.
“We’ve got the pieces here to make some noise,” Giroux said. “Sometimes building something special takes patience, but I can feel we’re getting close. The fans in this city deserve playoff hockey, and I want to be part of bringing that back.”
With training camp set to begin in earnest, Giroux’s commitment provides clarity for an organization eager to turn the corner from rebuilding to contending in the competitive Atlantic Division.
