Claude Giroux has a bustling market this summer.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Ottawa Senators have all spoken with the veteran free-agent forward, sources told Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.
When Giroux will sign remains unclear. Many around the NHL expect that he'll return to Philadelphia, where he spent the first 15 years of his career. However, sources told Garrioch that the 38-year-old has yet to decide on his next home, and is taking some more time because the 2026-27 season could be his last.
Giroux spent the last four seasons in his hometown of Ottawa, where he served as an assistant captain. He helped lead the Senators to playoff berths in each of the last two seasons, although the team failed to get out of the first round. If he returned, Giroux would be a candidate to succeed Brady Tkachuk as captain.
"We've stated how much we want him back. We've been unwavering in our message to him, offered him a contract as far back as before the trade deadline, and he wanted to take a look around in free agency, but hasn't closed the door to come back to Ottawa," Senators general manager Steve Staios said Wednesday. "... That spot is reserved for him, and I'm eagerly anticipating, waiting to have a conversation with him."
A return to Philadelphia would also apparently be welcomed by both sides. Giroux was once a beloved member of the Flyers, and scored 900 of his 1,165 career points in orange and black. However, the Flyers just tendered an offer sheet to restricted free agent Leo Carlsson, and must wait to see whether the Anaheim Ducks match it before proceeding with other offseason moves.
The Leafs, meanwhile, have real interest in stealing Giroux away from their provincial rivals, according to Garrioch. Where he'd fit into Toronto's lineup isn't immediately clear, but the veteran would undoubtedly boost leadership in a locker room that now features No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Giroux tallied 14 goals and 49 points over 82 games with the Senators in 2025-26, his 19th NHL season. He's missed just one regular-season game since 2022.
