Ottawa Senators Re‑Sign Claude Giroux, Veteran Chooses to Stay

Ottawa Senators announced on July 9 that veteran forward Claude Giroux has re‑signed, extending his stay in the capital for another season. The 38‑year‑old centre, who logged 71 points last year, will continue to anchor the top six as the Senators sit 6th in the Eastern Conference with a 44‑27 record and a one‑game winning streak.

Why did Claude Giroux re‑sign with Ottawa?

Giroux cited the team’s culture and the chance to mentor younger talent as the main draw. In a press conference, he highlighted the front office’s commitment to building a contender and his comfort with head coach D.J. Smith’s system. The veteran also mentioned his family’s love for Ottawa, noting the city’s community vibe helped seal the deal.

What does the new contract mean for the Senators’ roster?

The agreement locks Giroux into a two‑year, $6 million deal, giving Ottawa salary‑cap flexibility while retaining a proven playmaker. His presence on the first line alongside forward Shane Pinto and winger Tim Stützle gives the club a reliable scoring trio. Giroux’s experience on the power play will also bolster a unit that ranked third in the league last season.

How will Giroux’s role evolve under D.J. Smith?

Smith plans to use Giroux as a two‑way forward, pairing him with younger wingers to accelerate their development. The coach expects Giroux to log around 18 minutes per game, splitting time between the first and second lines. His face‑off win percentage, 52.3 % last year, should help the Senators dominate in critical zones.

What are the next steps for Ottawa after the signing?

With the off‑season underway, the Senators will focus on shoring up depth at defense and adding a right‑handed winger. Giroux’s contract sets a tone for retaining core players, and the front office hopes the move signals to free agents that Ottawa is serious about a deep playoff run. The team’s next move could come at the upcoming trade deadline, where they may look to add a veteran defenseman to protect a potential playoff push.

Giroux’s decision to stay reflects a broader trend of veteran players choosing stability over free‑agency wanderings. For Ottawa, keeping a player who can produce in all three zones adds a layer of consistency that could be the difference in tight games as the club chases a top‑four finish.