The debate surrounding Claude Giroux’s future has taken an interesting turn. While TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the 38-year-old plans to play a 20th NHL season, absolutely nothing appears locked in at this point. While there was some early speculation suggesting he could test the open market in search of a Stanley Cup. Returning to the Ottawa Senators still feels like a very realistic possibility.
Staios could get creative with Giroux's next contract
Giroux is coming off another productive season, playing all 82 games and recording 14 goals and 49 points. He isn't the 79-point player he was when he first signed with Ottawa in 2022, but he remains a reliable top-six forward and one of the most important voices in the room.
He also quietly had a strong year defensively, finishing second on the team with a plus-20 rating. If the Senators want to keep him around, a one-year extension feels like the only realistic option given where he is in his career.
The contract itself is where things get interesting. Because Giroux is over 35, the Senators can structure a deal with a lower base salary and performance bonuses. It's a route we've seen teams use before with veteran players, and it would make plenty of sense here as well.
A reasonable projection would be a one-year deal carrying a $2 million base salary with another $1 million available through achievable bonuses. Whether those bonuses are tied to games played, playoff qualification, or something similar, it gives Giroux a chance to earn more while allowing Ottawa to maintain some flexibility.
For the Senators, that's probably the ideal outcome. They keep a player who still contributes, still produces, and still carries plenty of value off the ice while leaving themselves room to pursue help elsewhere this summer.
