2022 NHL Free Agency begins next week, and Claude Giroux is one of the biggest names up for grabs. The Florida Panthers centre is coming off of his eight-year deal, originally signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014.
According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Ottawa Senators are one of the most prominent teams in the mix to sign Giroux. The senior NHL columnist tweeted the news Thursday morning.
Still lots to play out over the next 6-7 days obviously, but I do believe the Ottawa Senators will emerge has a legitimate option, among other teams, for Claude Giroux when the market opens next Wednesday. I think the Sens will put their best foot forward in trying to sign him.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 7, 2022
While Claude Giroux comes with a huge price tag, this would be a huge acquisition for the Senators. Giroux was a fantastic addition to the Panthers, finding an instant chemistry in just a few months with the team.
He spent 15 seasons and 1,000 games as a huge contributor with the Flyers. The team traded Giroux to the Panthers in mid-March in exchange for multiple players and multiple draft picks. He made a sparkling debut just a few days later, recording two assists in the team's win over the Montreal Canadians.
Claude Giroux went on to record three goals and five assists for eight points in the Panthers' ten postseason games.
While Giroux would undoubtedly be a huge acquisition for the Senators, is this the best place for him to go? The Flyers (25-46-11) traded him partly because they want him to have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup before he retires. The Panthers had a great shot at doing so this past season.
However, the Senators don't look much better than the Philadelphia franchise. The team went 33-42-7 with no postseason run. By this logic, Giroux could be returning for his second stint with the Flyers.
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