We interrupt your scheduled Philadelphia Flyers and Leo Carlsson updates with some rather unfortunate news. While it was rumored that Giroux was headed back to Philadelphia, it seems as if Claude Giroux is returning to the Ottawa Senators.
On Friday, in the midst of the Carlsson mayhem, a report that the Flyers were bringing back Giroux surfaced. Philly Hockey Now was able to confirm that the report was untrue just a little over an hour after the initial report surfaced.
While a reunion is not off the table, a #Flyers team source has told me that the rumored deal with Claude Giroux is not true at this time.
— Will James (@wmjsports) July 3, 2026
Since then, there was speculation that the Flyers and Giroux had an understanding that his return weighed on the shoulders of the Anaheim Ducks’ decision to or not to match the Flyers’ offer sheet for Carlsson.
Now, none of that matters, as Elliotte Friedman has reported that Giroux is returning to the Senators for one more season.
I mentioned the phrase “unfortunate” news in the beginning. That is because this season is widely expected to be Giroux’s last in the NHL. So, if there was ever an opportunity to see him play in a Flyers sweater ever again, it was likely this season or bust.
While ultimately, I do think there is a real possibility that Giroux will retire with a ceremonial 1-day contract with the Flyers, it would be the same as getting to see him wear the crest on the ice one more season.
Excitement for the return of the former Flyers captain was high.
Now, Giroux is headed back to Ottawa for what is likely the 20th and final year of his NHL career.
For the Flyers, it’s back to Carlsson watch.
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