The Ottawa Senators on Tuesday re-signed star forward Claude Giroux to a one-year contract with a $2 million base salary that can be worth up to $5 million in bonuses.
"Claude took his time to evaluate his options, and his decision to re-sign with us shows his belief and commitment to our group," Ottawa general manager Steve Staios said. "He is the consummate professional and brings veteran experience to our core on and off the ice."
In four seasons with Ottawa, Giroux has missed just one regular-season game. He scored a career-high 35 goals in 2022-23, his first season with the Senators, and followed that up with 21 in Year 2. For his career, he has averaged 19:17 time on ice, and he will begin next season 21 goals shy of 400.
The upcoming season will be his 20th in the NHL.
"I chose to come back because I want to be here," 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."
The No. 22 pick in 2006 by the Flyers, Giroux helped Ottawa return to the Eastern Conference playoffs last season. Coach Travis Green moved the 38-year-old veteran onto several lines, and he finished with 14 goals and 49 points.
Giroux has already played through two contracts in Ottawa, the last being a one-year deal that carried a $2 million salary cap hit. His return makes Giroux a candidate to succeed Brady Tkachuk as captain, following his trade last month to the Florida Panthers to play with his brother, Matthew.
A native of Hearst, Ontario, Giroux also has extensive experience playing for Team Canada. He helped his country win the gold medal in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, as well as the 2015 world championship in the Czechia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
