Senators re-sign veteran forward Claude Giroux to one-year contract

Ottawa Senators' Claude Giroux (28) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, April 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators announced Tuesday that they have re-signed forward Claude Giroux to a one-year contract.

The deal includes a base salary of US$2 million and potential bonuses up to $5 million.

The 38-year-old from Hearst, Ont., had 14 goals and 35 assists in 82 games last season.

He led the NHL with a 63.1 faceoff winning percentage.

“Claude took his time to evaluate his options and his decision to re-sign with us shows his belief and commitment to our group,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said in a release. “He is the consummate professional and brings veteran experience to our core on an off the ice.”

Since joining Ottawa in 2022, Giroux has skated in 327 of 328 of the Senators’ regular-season games and all 10 of their playoff games.

Giroux has 1,165 points (379 goals, 786 assists) — eight-most among active players — over 1,345 career NHL games with Philadelphia, Florida and Ottawa.

The Senators are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, with both ending in the first round. Ottawa was swept last season by eventual champion Carolina.

Giroux had been reportedly eyeing a reunion with Philadelphia in free agency before choosing to return to Ottawa.

“I chose to come back because I want to be here. I’m excited to be an Ottawa Senator,” Giroux said in a release. “Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. This team feels like a family. I just care for those players.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press