Maple Leafs Add New Wrinkle to Claude Giroux Sweepstakes, Oilers Not So Lucky

One of the more interesting storylines over the past several days is the market that has developed for NHL veteran Claude Giroux. And, that market just shifted again.

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According to the Ottawa Citizen’s Bruce Garrioch, the Toronto Maple Leafs have now entered the picture, with Giroux’s camp confirming talks have taken place and Toronto remaining “keenly interested.” At the same time, Garrioch referenced a report that the Edmonton Oilers are no longer in the mix.

“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. Elliotte Friedman seemed to confirm suspicions the Oilers were out and might pivot to a name like Vladimir Tarasenko.

Garrioch adds, “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.”

It’s a Four-Team Race For Giroux

That leaves a genuine four-team picture, at least for now: Toronto, Philadelphia, and Ottawa all appear to be active, with Edmonton stepping back. It’s a reminder of just how fluid this situation has been for over a week, with reports shifting almost daily on which teams are seriously in the race.

Ottawa remains in the mix because it’s Ottawa. If Giroux wants to play at home, that’s where he’ll be. They have a standing offer on the table for Giroux. Philadelphia, meanwhile, had been widely reported as the frontrunner just days ago, with a Flyers source telling The Athletic the club expected Giroux to sign a one-year deal to come home. However, things on that front are likely on pause until a decision is made on the Leo Carlsson offer sheet front.

The Maple Leafs Add a New Wrinkle to the Mix

Toronto’s interest adds a new wrinkle to the Giroux sweepstakes. The Maple Leafs have been aggressive in making changes. Under new GM John Chayka, they haven’t been afraid to take swings and a faceoff specialist with Giroux’s track record might be the most logical decision of all.

Giroux led the NHL in faceoff percentage this past season at 61.5% while still contributing 49 points at age 38 — would slot in as useful depth on a roster looking to build out its bottom six. He could sign a low-cost, bonus-heavy deal. The question becomes, does Giroux like his chances better in Toronto than in Philly, Ottawa, or Edmonton?

He could play at home in Ottawa, return to his first NHL home in Philadelphia, link up with two of the best players in the world in Edmonton, or plop himself in the middle of the hockey universe in Toronto.

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