Oilers Reportedly Eyeing Claude Giroux in Free Agency

As per a report by Pierre LeBrun on Monday, the Edmonton Oilers have interest in pending UFA forward Claude Giroux. A veteran performer with some gas left in the tank, Giroux is still a great two-way winger, and legit first-line forward. He joined the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline this past season and may be looking for a home with a contender as free agency approaches on July 13th.

Related: Multiple UFAs Eyeing Oilers as Possible Free Agency Landing Spot

Report: Oilers among teams pursuing Giroux https://t.co/TaG8hR1bbP pic.twitter.com/QCzzLwjnES

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It’s not clear, but it sounds like Giroux is Plan B for the Oilers if Evander Kane does not return. Edmonton only has $7.1 million available, according to Cap Friendly. What Giroux would be seeking in a deal is unclear, but it’s not imagined the 34-year-old would be looking for a long-term extension. Could the Oilers sign him for one or two seasons, he up his numbers even more and have the chance to win a Stanley Cup?

LeBrun writes, “He has played primarily wing the last few years, but also remains a top faceoff guy and still obviously impactful offensively.” He adds, “Giroux playing either with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl has plenty of appeal.”

Giroux is one of the biggest names on the open market this summer and he finished last season with 65 points in 75 games split between the Philadelphia Flyers and Panthers.

Earlier reports by a number of insiders have Edmonton pegged as a potential destination for pending UFAs. If Giroux has a similar interest in the Oilers, this provides evidence that those reports were accurate. The Oilers are quickly becoming one of the more interesting teams to watch as rumors of them trying to clear cap space are out there and trades and signings could happen rather quickly in the next couple of weeks.

Next: Ilya Mikheyev Wants Free Agency Home Run, Maple Leafs Seek Trade