Senators, Claude Giroux free agent update is tough decision for Ottawa winger originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Ottawa Senators are a great match for Claude Giroux.
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But if he’s seeking a title before his NHL career is over, they may not prove to be the best fit this offseason in free agency.
It’ll become decision time for the legendary winger. Stay put where it’s comfortable, or land somewhere where a Stanley Cup is more likely.
Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin has more insight on that in his new article, which ranks some of the top free agents set to be available in the summer. He ranks Giroux No. 18 on his board.
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“Re-signing was an easy decision for Giroux a year ago,” Larkin wrote on Friday. “He was playing for the city in which he lives with his family in the offseason, and the club was on the rise, offering a chance to chase a championship. A year later? The Sens have regressed, putting Giroux in a pickle as he nears the end of his career. If he wants to play another year, does he stay where he’s comfortable or aim for more of a surefire contender in hopes of winning his first Stanley Cup?”
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Giroux just turned 38 in January, and this is his 19th NHL season (15 years in Philadelphia, half a season in Florida, and now his fourth year in Ottawa).
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He’s played 64 games for the Senators this season and tallied 11 goals with 29 assists (40 points).
Giroux is also a remarkable plus-18 despite playing on a bad team. Ottawa has clearly set him up in good spots, and he’s made the most of that.
Still, that doesn’t change the tough decision that’s coming for Giroux and the Senators. It’d make sense for Ottawa to keep welcoming Giroux back. But does he have to look elsewhere just once before all is said and done? That’ll be a big question to watch.
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