When asked about his future NHL plans, Claude Giroux says he can picture himself back in a Florida Panthers uniform. He noted he has no negative thoughts on his decision to come to Florida and that it is fun place to play. He added, “I believe in this group. A lot of potential and a lot of good things to come for this organization.”
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The Panthers are officially out of the postseason after winning the Presidents’ Trophy and Giroux is a pending UFA. Assuming he makes it to free agency, there will be a couple of teams interested in signing the veteran and prior to arriving in Florida, he had some choices on where he wanted to go. Colorado was rumored to be in the mix as were other teams, but he chose the Panthers and the series against Tampa was the end of the line.
Giroux was asked what’s next and he responded, “One step at a time here. You’ve gotta take a few weeks to settle down. We’re still pretty fired up. We’ve got a lot of things to think of,” Giroux said. When asked if he could see himself staying in Florida: “I had a great time here. Great group of guys.” He was asked about a possible contract extension and if he thought there was a chance things could get worked out on a new deal. “Yeah, I do. Obviously there’s a lot to worry about and a decision has to be made. It’s a tough question. The season just ended. I still need time to think,” he said.
He’s right. There are plenty of conversations to be had in Florida, starting with, ‘Where did it all go wrong?’ A team that was supposed to put up more of a fight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they got outplayed and outworked and eliminated in four games. No one saw that coming, including Giroux who chose the Panthers over other teams that would have loved to add him at this past NHL Trade Deadline.
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