It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since Claude Giroux was drafted into the NHL. Selected 22nd overall in 2006, his name famously slipped the mind of Philadelphia Flyers GM Bobby Clarke when he walked up to the podium that day. Two decades later, Giroux has carved out a career that's completely unforgettable.
A spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame likely awaits the man they call 'G.' With 1,165 points in 1,345 NHL games, his numbers are simply too good to ignore. But that's a question for another day. The immediate question: How much longer does Giroux, one of the most respected men in hockey, actually want to play?
At 38 years old and coming off a one-year, bonus-laden deal signed last summer, Giroux is probably feeling a strong case of déjà vu. He's a veteran UFA fresh off another disappointing first-round playoff exit, ready to open offseason talks with the Senators again. From a performance standpoint, GM Steve Staios might as well print off a duplicate of last summer's contract—because Giroux was almost exactly the same player.
Staios signed Giroux to a one-year, $2 million extension for the 2025–26 season, which included an additional $2.75 million in performance bonuses. As a sidebar, Giroux scooped up all the individual bonuses but none of the $1.75 million attached to winning playoff rounds. He did all that while doing what he always does: staying healthy, leading, and producing. Giroux, who's missed only one game in four years with Ottawa, put up 49 points this season—just one less than the season before.
He also delivered a serious plus/minus turnaround, for those still tracking that stat, going from -8 in 2025 to +20 this season, second-best on the team. But before contract talks begin, Giroux has to decide for sure if he wants to keep rolling. Based on his recent, season-ending media availability, it's pretty clear he does. The Senators now face a slam dunk or a tough call: run it back with the popular veteran, or let him walk.