Giroux Stays in Ottawa: What His New Deal Means for the Senators

Earlier this summer, veteran forward Claude Giroux showed just how much pride he takes in wearing the Ottawa Senators jersey. The 38‑year‑old from Hearst, Ontario, long admired for his elite playmaking and dominance in the faceoff circle, gave fans a fresh surge of excitement when, on July 7, he made it clear he intends to stay in Ottawa by signing a one‑year, $2‑million extension.

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

Giroux, originally drafted in 2006 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, played 10 seasons in the City of Brotherly Love followed by an 18-game stint in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers.

On July 13, 2022, as an unrestricted free agent, Giroux signed a three-year $19.5 million contract, launching what has been a successful tenure with the Senators.

Incredibly, during the past four years in Ottawa, Giroux has missed only one game, while providing clutch depth scoring that has seen him produce 85 goals and 242 points.

Not only is Claude Giroux gifted offensively, but he also helps the Senators in many other ways, including, as mentioned already, the faceoff circle, where last season he led the team in faceoff wins.

Giroux Enjoyed Many Great Moments As A Senator

As an Ottawa Senator, Giroux has provided many thrills for the home fans, with perhaps the most memorable coming on Monday, April 10, 2023, in front of 18,688 pumped-up fans on Fan Appreciation Night at Canadian Tire Centre.

On this night, Giroux put his name in the NHL’s history books, and Senators fans had an up-close look at the event when, at 17:26 of the opening period, he set up Tim Stutzle in becoming only the 96th player to reach the 1,000th career point mark during a 3-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. Giroux also scored two goals for a three-point night.

“I was just trying to keep my emotions intact,” Giroux, who received a rousing ovation from the fans, said. “I knew it was going to happen, them (teammates on the bench) coming out on the ice, but to actually have it happen was definitely different. But it was special.”

A few nights later, Giroux once again gave the Senators fans a big thrill when, on April 13, during a 4-3 road loss against the Buffalo Sabres, the veteran alternate captain had to wait out a video review before officially scoring his 35th goal of the season, which happened to eclipse his previous high of 34 scored during the 2017-18 season as a Flyer.

The goal sparked controversy, with the Sabres bench arguing it shouldn’t have counted because they believed Giroux made a kicking motion.

Giroux showcased his elite offensive skills on December 31 2022, during a 4-2 road loss against the Detroit Red Wings, when this seven-time all-star did his best Mario Lemieux imitation. On a 1-on-1 play, he made Wings defenceman Jake Wallman look silly after putting the puck between the defenceman’s legs before getting around him and beating Red Wings goalie Magnus Hellberg on a sweet backhand.

As a Senator, Giroux has had plenty of exciting moments, like on December 3, 2022, when he lit up the Canadian Tire Centre with a three-point game, including a breakaway slapshot goal in a 5-2 win for the Senators.

Giroux Shows Big Heart By Donating To Charity 

Giroux has made an impact off the ice as well. Throughout his illustrious career, he has always been heavily involved in various charities. Showing his generosity, Giroux has never hesitated to financially assist local hospitals and youth sports programs.

He created the Giroux28 Foundation in 2014 to assist kids and families by providing financial support so they can participate in sports and health‑related programs. It’s clear that generosity runs in the family, and the younger Giroux is very much a chip off the old block.

A special moment for the Ottawa community and Senators fans occurred on October 18, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre when Giroux’s six‑year‑old son Gavin broke out his crayons and created homemade calendars for the Senators’ 2025‑26 season.

One thousand homemade calendars highlighting the Senators were sold, with proceeds going to Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa.

“I like it because I like helping out other kids,” Gavin Giroux said. “It feels good.”

Leadership at a Turning Point

Giroux’s impact on the Senators goes well beyond his point totals. His presence in the locker room, his ability to steady younger players, and his genuine pride in representing Ottawa continue to shape the team’s identity.

As the Senators push toward a more consistent and competitive season — and in light of the departures of Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers and Daniel Alfredsson to the rival Leafs — Giroux’s veteran leadership has become even more central to the club’s culture and confidence.

Ottawa is extremely lucky to have Giroux back for another season.

Photo: thehockeywriters.com