Senators' Claude Giroux opens up about return to Philadelphia

Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux spent 15 seasons wearing the orange and black of the Philadelphia Flyers. On Saturday, he'll step onto the ice at the Wells Fargo Center for the first time as an opponent. 

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Giroux said, "It's going to be a weird night," but he believes it will be the first of many memorable returns to Philadelphia. 

"I think every time I'll get to play in Philly, it's always going to be a special night," Giroux told the media and NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "But obviously the first one is always the biggest deal." 

Giroux got his first game against his former team out of the way last week in Ottawa and even tallied career goal No. 300 in a 2-1 loss. However, Giroux knows Saturday will be different.

"I think after the first shift, when you get your feet wet and you're kind of in the middle of the game, I think I'll be fine," Giroux said. "But before that, I think it's going to be a little tough." 

Selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2006 NHL Draft by the Flyers, Giroux trails only Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke in games played (1,000), assists (609) and points (900) for the franchise. 

Traded to the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline last season, Giroux became a free agent this offseason, signing a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Senators. So far, the 34-year-old is making a positive impact in Ottawa, recording 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) in 13 games.