Senators Coach Travis Green Expresses Optimism About Claude Giroux’s Return: Veteran Forward’s Comeback Could…..
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green remains optimistic that veteran forward Claude Giroux will return for the upcoming NHL season, despite uncertainty surrounding contract negotiations.
Speaking Thursday at the Canadian Tire Centre, Green expressed confidence in Giroux’s impact and importance to the team, noting his desire to see the 37-year-old alternate captain remain part of the Senators’ roster. While Green’s involvement in draft preparations has been light—he joked about bringing Timbits to the scouts—his attention is squarely focused on shaping the team for next season.
Green and team president/general manager Steve Staios are in regular communication about potential roster changes. One shared priority is retaining Giroux, who has been a stabilising presence and key leader since signing with Ottawa in 2022. However, as the July 1 free agency window nears, the possibility grows that Giroux could explore other options.
“From a coach’s standpoint, I want him back,” Green said. “He’s been great for us and has helped this group grow. I understand the business side, but my hope is that he wants to be back and they can figure something out.”
Negotiations between the Senators and Giroux’s agent, Pat Brisson, have been ongoing since early June. While both sides reportedly want the relationship to continue, the sticking point remains the financial terms. Ottawa has allegedly offered a one-year deal in the range of $2.75 million USD, while Giroux’s camp is aiming for a figure closer to the $4 million that veteran forward David Perron is set to earn.
Discussions have also included the possibility of a bonus-laden structure, similar to the one Jamie Benn signed in Dallas—$1 million base salary with $3 million in performance bonuses.
Giroux, a native of the Ottawa region, chose to sign with the Senators three years ago to be closer to home. The prospect of uprooting his family again may factor heavily into his decision, though teams like the Montreal Canadiens are expected to show interest if he becomes available.
“He’s still a strong player and he really wants to win,” Green added. “We’ve had great conversations, and I know he’s proud of where this team is headed. I hope he wants to keep pushing with us.”
As Green and his coaching staff continue off-season planning, he remains confident that Ottawa’s core group can take another step forward, particularly by improving 5-on-5 scoring and refining offensive strategies—ideally, with Giroux still wearing a Senators jersey.
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