A few weeks ago, it seemed like Claude Giroux would automatically re-sign with the Ottawa Senators if he decided to play one more season.
Now, that prospect doesn’t seem too clear. The veteran forward remains unsigned and unlikely to do so in the next couple of hours. While there’s still a chance he can re-sign on July 1, somehow Giroux and Ottawa don’t seem like a sure thing.
If Giroux doesn’t re-sign, it really wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for the Senators. Yes, he’s a heart-and-soul guy. Giroux is the sort of player who, at this point in his career, guides a room with his presence. He doesn’t need to beat his chest to get a message across.
Since the Senators are still pretty much a young group, rely on veterans like Giroux to guide the way. But especially after Brady Tkachuk’s departure, it’s time for some of the other Ottawa stars to lead the way.
We’re talking about guys like Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, and Thomas Chabot stepping up to become the true leaders of the club. With Tkachuk out of the picture, this team is ready to embrace its new core.
And it’s that core that needs to lead the way moving forward.
It would be fantastic for the Senators to bring back Giroux for at least one more season. But if Giroux doesn’t want to play anymore, or thinks his time is better spent elsewhere, Senators fans shouldn’t lose any sleep over it.
Giroux will always have a special place in Senators fans’ hearts. He will always be remembered as one of those endearing players in the hearts of fans.
But honestly, the NHL is a business. Players come and go. As callous as that sounds, teams have to move on. Players move on, and, well, life goes on.
Here’s hoping that Giroux inks a new deal on July 1. If it doesn’t happen then, it can happen later this summer. If it doesn’t, the organization might have to target another veteran depth option.
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