The Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes are among the potential suitors for pending unrestricted free-agent forward Claude Giroux, reports The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
The Edmonton Oilers were previously reported to be interested in the 34-year-old.
Ottawa would represent a homecoming of sorts for Giroux, who hails from Hearst, Ontario, but moved to Ottawa when he was 14. The Senators have $27 million in projected cap space, per CapFriendly, and are seeking players with pedigree to help their young team get over the hump.
The Hurricanes have prioritized adding some offense this offseason and may lose both Vincent Trocheck and Nino Niederreiter to free agency, LeBrun added. Carolina projects to have $19 million in cap space with a roster of 14 players. Martin Necas and Tony DeAngelo are their most notable restricted free agents.
Giroux proved in 2021-22 he still has plenty of game left, recording 65 points in 75 games split between the Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers. The versatile veteran is capable of playing both center and wing effectively.
Florida is trying to bring Giroux back, LeBrun notes, but the club has just $3 million in projected cap space.
