The Ottawa Senators have never been big players in the NHL free-agent market during the offseason. Players like Sergei Gonchar or Clarke MacArthur come to mind, and while both of them were significant pieces to their respective rosters, the Senators had still never landed a “big fish” during the offseason in modern history.
That changed on July 13th, 2022.
Claude Giroux signing a 3-year, $19.5 million contract with the Ottawa Senators made him the best UFA the franchise has ever signed. It may only be a few games into his Senators career, but here are a few reasons why Giroux has already climbed his way to the top of the list of free agent acquisitions:
A Natural Leader
A big selling point during the rebuild was the need to bring in veterans who could teach the young core how to be professionals. Players like Derek Stepan, Erik Gudbranson, and Brayden Coburn are some players that General Manager Pierre Dorion purportedly brought to Ottawa for that exact purpose.
The problem was that these players couldn’t lead by example on the ice because they weren’t the players they used to be. Having veterans that were well past their prime made it difficult for the young Sens players to learn. With Giroux, it’s the exact opposite.
He seems to be aging like fine wine, posting close to a point per game early on this season. He had his 9-game point streak snapped against the Sabres, but Giroux’s impact has been more than just boxscore contributions.
His fiery nature is contagious for the rest of the team. When the Sens played in Toronto on October 15th, I was lucky enough to sit right at ice level. Giroux was constantly barking at the Leafs’ players and trying to get under their skin. It was fascinating to see such a competitive player up close and personal, and I think that speaks to Giroux’s leadership style.
In terms of actual on-ice production, he’s had some timely goals early on this season, the most recent of which came in overtime vs. LA on a highlight reel breakaway. In their game vs. the Leafs they failed to seal the deal afterward, his tying goal in Toronto was special. His reaction, the crowd going silent, was all so perfect. To me, it was a true indication that this player wasn’t just returning to his hometown to ease into retirement. He wants to win, and he wants it badly. Even though they lost the game, that goal has stuck with me.
Going back to his days with the Philadelphia Flyers, Giroux has always had a flare for the dramatic. He finds ways to score clutch goals and galvanize his team. One can only imagine what he has up his sleeve in the coming years with Ottawa.
Competitive Spirit
Another thing I appreciate a lot about Giroux is his attitude and presence in media sessions. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter and it’s probably just a personal preference of mine, but having a coach or a player who communicates well with the media is important.
Giroux is always even-keel in his post-game interviews, especially when he’s visibly frustrated after a game. The Sens just recently ended a 7 game-losing streak, but Giroux’s message never changed in that he thought they were playing decent hockey. As a leader of a team during a losing streak, it’s never fun. The last thing you’d want to do is stand in front of a microphone and repeat the same answers for 2 weeks straight. But it’s part of the job and Giroux gives honest responses every time.
He’s also never afraid to admit when he hasn’t played his best. I can think of a few times already this year where he’s taken personal responsibility for not playing well. He’s a player that prides himself on leading by example for a young group like the Sens, and that’s such a contagious attitude to have.
When the Senators hosted the Golden Knights on November 3rd, they were trying to mount a massive comeback in the 3rd period. Giroux was leading the charge alongside linemates Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle, cutting the lead to 5-3 with about 10 minutes remaining. Stützle was shaken up on a play and was receiving attention from the trainers.
While that’s happening Giroux can be seen on the bench asking Stützle if he’s ready to go because they’re rolling. Only I don’t think he used those words. He essentially told Stützle that if it’s anything minor, play through it because we have them on their heels right now. Stützle scored on that very next shift:
(Stutzle’s goal comes at the 7min mark)
That competitive nature is clearly rubbing off on the 20-year-old German, making Giroux’s signing a slam dunk already.
He’s Still Got It
All the intangibles Giroux brings to the table are great, but as I alluded to before, a veteran presence is kind of a moot point if said veteran can’t keep up with the team.
So far, Giroux has done more than keep up, he’s leading. Through 21 games he’s registered 20pts (9G, 11A). His career-high in goals is 34, scored during the 2017-2018 season where he also had a career-high 102 points.
If Giroux keeps scoring goals at this pace, he’ll hit 35 goals, which would establish a new career best. Time will tell if this is just a hot start or if it’s indicative of his impact in Ottawa, but having a career year at the age of 34 isn’t something many NHL players can say they’ve done.
His chemistry with Tkachuk and Stützle has been incredible as well. The two youngsters are also on pace to shatter career highs, and Giroux is at least partially responsible for that.
Check out this breakdown of how well the 3 of them work together off the rush:
BREAKDOWN:
Giroux’s 300th career goal was a beautifully executed odd man rush from the Sens.
Tkachuk’s effective zone stretch and Stützle’s quick hands & feet allowed Giroux to cruise in alone to score against his former team for the first time.#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/kicfpDQcDx
— Jack Richardson (@jackrichrdson) November 7, 2022
I understand that it’s early and the Sens have struggled to string together some wins. But if these first few games are any indication of how Giroux’s homecoming is going to play out over the next few years, then the Ottawa Senators got the steal of the 2022 Free Agent Class.
-Jack Richardson
Twitter: @Jackrichrdson