Maple Leafs 'keenly interested' in veteran forward Claude Giroux

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not finished reshaping their roster ahead of next season.

Recent comments from general manager John Chayka are proof of that, as he did not rule out making difference-making trades before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. In addition, Chayka said that roster depth is extremely important.

Maple Leafs remain in mix for free agent Claude Giroux

With that in mind, recent reporting from The Ottawa Citizen journalist Bruce Garrioch becomes particularly relevant, as he reports that the Maple Leafs have shown interest in signing veteran forward Claude Giroux.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs have also spoken with Giroux’s camp and remain keenly interested, while the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch, but well-respected Sportsnet columnist Mark Spector says they’re no longer involved," Garrioch wrote on Saturday.

"The Flyers and Senators are both in the mix. Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, stated on July 1 that the Senators have an offer on the table to bring Giroux back and the door remains wide open for his return."

Giroux, 38, would certainly add a combination of experience and productivity to Toronto’s roster, potentially taking on a middle-six forward role.

He is also not expected to command a massive contract, given that he is in the latter stages of his career.

Giroux is currently an unrestricted free agent after his one-year contract with the Ottawa Senators, which he signed in June 2025, expired at the end of last season. That deal carried a $2 million cap hit.

During the 2025-26 season, Giroux appeared in all 82 games, recording 14 goals and 35 assists for a total of 49 points.