Rumor: Claude Giroux to the Ottawa Senators

The Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators are two teams who will be making some degree of change this offseason. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, some around the Senators feel they could be after center Claude Giroux, either via trade this summer or free agency after next season.

The 33-year-old is from the area but all accounts point to him wanting to remain in Philly for his entire career. He has next season left on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free-agent and is slated to make $8.275 million. While he holds a full no-movement clause, some close to him believe 'heading home' might be one option he would actually consider. This season Giroux played in 54 games, recording 43 points and could provide the Senators with a seasoned veteran to mentor the younger core.

It's hard to believe the Flyers would trade Giroux but if contract talks don't go anywhere this summer and into next season, that could certainly become the case. They could pull a king's ransom from the Senators and use their development system to fill some holes within their franchise. The Flyers are expected to go after some big free-agent names this offseason, including defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Time will tell if they decide to make a blockbuster trade, but if they do, a name and team to watch is Giroux and the Senators.