Do the Senators & Giroux Run It Back Next Season?

As the Ottawa Senators are on the brink of elimination by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs, there are some questions that will need to be answered in the offseason for Ottawa. One of those is the future of Claude Giroux who is 37 years old, but still producing.

The Senators make a nice pickup at the trade deadline this season bringing in Fabian Zetterlund, which could be seen as an anticipation addition for if Giroux leaves. It's not all that easy to replace years of experience, leadership, and 50 points. Much of the decision will lay with Giroux though.

The Senators made the playoffs, so after signing his original three-year deal with the team, they did reach a milestone and made the jump into contention. If they lose in the first round, it isn't exactly a big enough step the team was hoping to make, but it's a start. Many of the players on the Senators haven't experienced playoff hockey yet, so this is a good learning experience.

Giroux isn't getting any younger, and while he still has game and I think he can contribute for another three years in the NHL, that is a short window for him to accomplish his final goal, the Stanley Cup. For the Senators, it will somewhat be about money. Giroux makes $6.5 million per year right now, but he was also three years younger and close to a point-per-game, not 31 points under.

From the perspective of Ottawa, you absolutely bring him back. There aren't any younger forwards that can step into the role he plays right now. Maybe Shane Pinto or Ridly Greig become top-6 players down the line, but 18+ minutes and 50+ points is tough as I mentioned.

Keeping Giroux around due to comfortability and knowing what to expect is a good enough reason, especially if the cap hit is very reasonable. The Senators have the pieces to come back stronger the next few seasons and that will keep giving Giroux his last looks at a potential Stanley Cup.