Claude Giroux already researching next NHL destination

It didn’t seem right to see Claude Giroux in a Florida Panthers jersey on Thursday night. But that might not be the only thing that is wrong about the trade, from a Panthers’ point of view.

Giroux was acquired last week by Florida in a blockbuster deal that sent right winger Owen Tippett and a first-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers.

And while Giroux might do very well as a member of the Panthers, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman had fans wondering in his last 32 Thoughts column when he dropped this:

“No guarantee it happens, but I do believe Claude Giroux is doing his research on Ottawa.”

As a pending unrestricted free agent, Giroux will be able to choose whatever NHL destination he wants this summer. And fans and pundits already see him play for the Senators.

There is a sense, per the Ottawa Sun, that the Sens and the Montreal Canadiens will be among several teams that will make a pitch for Giroux whenever the free agency opens. He is linked to Ottawa because he grew up here, has a home here and there is a strong feeling that he would like to play for his hometown team before hanging up the skates.

Pundits also like to point out that Giroux is a perfect fit for the Senators and would become the leader of a young pack of talented players.

Giroux will have lots of options to weigh this summer, but according to many including Friedman, Ottawa’s got his interest.