Claude Giroux Returns to Ottawa Senators on One-Year Deal

The Senators announced a one-year deal for forward Claude Giroux with a $2 million base salary and performance bonuses that could raise the total to $5 million. The contract includes a full no-movement clause and leaves roughly $4.2 million of cap space for 2026-27.

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Giroux was drafted 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006, spent 15 seasons there—including a captaincy from 2013 to 2022—then was traded to the Florida Panthers in March 2022. He signed with Ottawa in July 2022, helping the Senators reach the Eastern Conference playoffs in 2022-23 and 2023-24. The 38-year-old enters his 20th NHL season.

Senators confirm signing of Claude Giroux

In 2025-26 Giroux played all 82 games, scoring 14 goals and 49 points, sixth on Ottawa’s scoring list. He led the league with a 63.1 % face-off win rate and posted a +20 plus-minus, second on the team. Over four seasons in Ottawa he has 85 goals, 157 assists (242 points) in 327 games. His career totals are 1,345 games, 379 goals, 786 assists and 1,165 points (60th all-time).

Giroux signs 1-year, $2 million contract with Senators

GM Steve Staios said Giroux’s re-signing reflects his belief in the club and underscores the veteran’s professionalism. Giroux highlighted his bond with teammates, describing the group as a family and expressing excitement to stay in Ottawa.

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• “Claude took his time to evaluate his options and his decision to re-sign with us shows his belief and commitment to our group,” — Steve Staios, General Manager, Ottawa Senators

Senators agree to one-year contract with Claude Giroux for 2026-27 season

• “I chose to come back because I want to be here. I’m excited to be an Ottawa Senator. Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. This team feels like a family. I just care for those players.” — Claude Giroux, Forward, Ottawa Senators

Giroux Signs One-Year Deal to Return to Senators

• “Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. This team feels like a family. I just care for those players.” — Claude Giroux

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• “I think we’ve stated how much we want him back. We’ve been unwavering in our message to him,” — Steve Staios

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Giroux offers veteran leadership for a young core featuring William Eklund, Tim Stützle and Andre Burakovsky. His face-off skill and defensive play strengthen special teams, while his modest cap hit preserves flexibility for further moves. Ottawa also sees him as a possible captain after trading Brady Tkachuk.

Giroux Signs One-Year Deal to Return to Senators

Sources differ on the bonus schedule: some list $1.5 million for 10 games, $500 k for 40 games and $500 k each for conference-final and Stanley-Cup bonuses; others cite a $3 million performance pool. Some reports mention only the $5 million total value, while others focus on the $2 million base without detail. The exact terms of the no-movement clause are not confirmed.

Senators re-sign Claude Giroux to one-year contract

• 2006: Drafted 22nd overall by Philadelphia Flyers

Giroux signs 1-year, $2 million contract with Senators

• Mar 2022: Traded to Florida Panthers

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• Jul 2022: Signs three-year deal with Ottawa Senators

CBC News

• 2022-24: Helps Senators reach back-to-back playoffs

Senators brutally mock reporter who claimed Claude Giroux was signing elsewhere

• Jul 1 2025: Becomes unrestricted free agent

Giroux signs 1-year, $2 million contract with Senators

• Jul 2026: Re-signs with Ottawa on one-year contract

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