Claude Giroux’s Future with Senators: Will He Sign Another Deal?

It’s hard to fathom that 20 years have passed since Claude Giroux was drafted into the NHL. Selected 22nd overall in 2006, Giroux’s name famously slipped the mind of Philadelphia Flyers GM Bobby Clarke when he approached the podium that day. Fast forward two decades, and Giroux has established a career that is nothing short of unforgettable, with a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame likely awaiting him. With 1,165 points in 1,345 NHL games, his numbers are becoming increasingly hard to overlook, but that’s a conversation for another time.

The pressing question at hand is how much longer Giroux, one of the most respected figures in hockey, intends to play. At 38 and coming off a one-year, bonus-laden contract signed last summer, Giroux finds himself in a familiar situation as a veteran unrestricted free agent (UFA) after another disappointing first-round playoff exit. General Manager Steve Staios might as well print a duplicate of Giroux’s contract from last year, given that he performed almost identically.

Staios recently signed Giroux to a one-year, $2 million extension for the 2025–26 season, which includes an additional $2.75 million in performance bonuses. While Giroux secured all of his individual bonuses, he missed out on the $1.75 million tied to playoff success. Throughout the season, he maintained his reputation for durability, leading, and producing, missing just one game in four years with Ottawa and accumulating 49 points—only one less than the previous season. His plus/minus also saw a significant turnaround, improving from -8 in 2025 to +20 this season, the second-best on the team.

Before contract discussions commence, Giroux must first determine if he wants to continue his career. Based on his recent season-ending media availability, it appears he is leaning toward playing another year. “Yeah, I think everybody does, but it’s too early to even answer that question for me,” Giroux remarked. “I need to calm down a little bit. I’m still a little fired up about (losing) the series, and sometimes you need to take a step back and give yourself a chance just to kinda chill and then see what’s next.” While not a definitive commitment, he certainly left the door ajar.

Despite some concerns about his speed, particularly as the pace of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs intensifies, Giroux has consistently compensated with his offensive production, hockey IQ, faceoff skills, defensive play, and leadership. His reputation as a fitness fanatic has helped him withstand the physical toll of the game, but the mental grind of the NHL is another challenge altogether. Giroux acknowledged this, noting, “Yeah, you wake up in the morning and it’s hard to wrap your head around that the season’s over, and it’s frustrating for sure. Definitely, it takes a long time.”

In the short term, Giroux will revert to his usual routine this time of year: spending time with his young family in Ottawa, unwinding, and teeing off on the golf course. However, he remains focused on his ultimate goal—a Stanley Cup—feeling a strong sense of unfinished business in Ottawa. “The guys in that locker room, I love spending time with those guys. They make it fun coming to the rink, and they definitely keep me young, and being around them is… I feel very lucky,” he shared.

This connection with his teammates cannot be understated. If Brady Tkachuk signs an extension next summer, Giroux’s bond with the locker room will likely be a significant factor. He continues to play a crucial role in the team’s leadership, guiding a core that has made substantial progress and emerged as one of the best teams in the NHL from January to April. “Yeah, I think this year we dug ourselves in a little hole early in the season. And in the last two months, we were playing playoff hockey and played some really good hockey to get into the playoffs, and it’s something that we should be proud of. But sitting here right now, it’s not what we had planned,” he reflected.

With four years now behind him in Ottawa, Giroux has witnessed teams that struggled to maintain their identity. He expressed satisfaction in seeing this year’s squad find its footing and adhere to their style of play, even during tough times. “(I liked) the way we stuck to how we wanna play, our identity. Guys didn’t start doing their own things, and we just believed that the way we play, we’re gonna be successful. And usually that doesn’t happen.”

So what does this mean for the savvy veteran? All indicators point toward another one-year deal that would keep Giroux in a Senators uniform for at least one more season. It appears to be an Ottawa-or-nothing scenario, with the fit, role, and motivation all aligning. As any teammate will attest, Giroux despises losing—at anything.

The final decision will come after Giroux takes the necessary time to step back and reflect. However, considering his comments, performance, and strong ties to the locker room, it’s hard to envision this NHL chapter closing just yet.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.