Ottawa Senators: Claude Giroux, and Goaltending Options

Ottawa Senators pending UFA Claude Giroux wants to return next season 

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Was told on Monday that Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux wants to play another season. The 38-year-old and is a pending UFA.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Claude Giroux has spent his past four years with the Senators, and he isn’t ready to hang them up just yet.

Agent Pat Brisson, in a text, “He wants to play for sure.” Giroux said on exit day that if he plays next year, he wants to play in Ottawa. The sides haven’t spoken about a deal, but it’s likely one that wouldn’t take long to get done.

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Last year he signed for $2 million, with up to $2.75 million in games played and playoff bonuses. A similar deal would make sense. His bonus structure last year:

• $250,000 each for 20, 30 and 60 games played.
• $250,000 if Ottawa made the playoffs and he played 50 games
• $500,000 if Ottawa had won Round 1
• $250,000 if Ottawa won Round 2
• $500,000 if Ottawa won Round 3
• $500,000 if Ottawa won the Stanley Cup

Goaltending options for the Ottawa Senators

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators need to find a reliable backup to play behind Linus Ullmark. James Reimer showed that he can still play, and could be an option on a one-year deal. Leevi Merilainen could be an option as well, but they’ll be checking out the goalie market.

Some external options.

Stuart Skinner – Pittsburgh Penguins – UFA – Believed to be one of the Senators top targets in free agency. Wouldn’t have pressure to be a No. 1. Term and money could be an issue.

Connor Ingram – Edmonton Oilers – UFA – The Oilers may try to re-sign him. Might be able to get him on a one-year deal, and there won’t be as much competition.

Frederik Andersen – Carolina Hurricanes – UFA – The playoffs have increased his value. Made $2.75 million last year.

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Jesper Wallstedt – Minnesota Wild – Cost would be huge. It’s believed the Wild would want Brady Tkachuk in a deal.