It’s been an oddly Philadelphia-themed offseason for Senators fans.
It started with the Sens re-signing Nick Cousins, who was drafted by Philadelphia and spent his first four pro seasons in that organization. Cousins got a two-year contract worth $1.59 million a season.
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Later in the day on July 1st, GM Steve Staios addressed his backup goalie riddle, re-signing newly-acquired RFA Samuel Ersson, who had spent the past five seasons with the Flyers.
Then, after false reports that he’d gone back to Philly, veteran free agent Claude Giroux signed on for a fifth season in Ottawa and explained to the media on Tuesday why he did so.
Finally, on Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Senators will open their new 42-game home schedule against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.
For Giroux, the decision to return to Ottawa wasn’t simply about playing another NHL season. It was about staying with a group he’s grown so close to over the past four years.
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“I chose to come back because I want to be here. I’m excited to be an Ottawa Senator,” Giroux told reporters Tuesday during a Zoom media availability.
“Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. The team feels like a family. I just care for those players.”
The Senators officially announced Giroux’s new contract on July 7. The one-year deal carries a base salary of $2 million, with the veteran forward eligible to earn up to another $3 million in performance bonuses.
Two million dollars of those bonuses are tied to games played, reaching the 10-game and 40-game marks, while the remaining bonuses depend on Ottawa’s playoff success.
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Giroux’s future had been the subject of plenty of speculation after free agency opened. At one point, inaccurate media reports even suggested he had agreed to return to the Flyers, which naturally got tongues wagging in Philly. There was also talk that he may be in the mix in Toronto and Edmonton.
Instead, the 38-year-old appears to be happy to walk into the NHL sunset with Ottawa, the place he’s called home since moving here from Hearst, Ontario, at age 14.
While Giroux chose to stay in Ottawa, another player with Flyers ties is just arriving.
Goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to begin the season as Ottawa’s backup behind Linus Ullmark after signing a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $2.2 million.
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As an RFA, Ersson was moved earlier this summer in the deal that saw Philadelphia acquire Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Speaking in an interview posted on the Senators’ website, Ersson said he’s looking forward to the opportunity and excited for a fresh start.
The Senators’ crease now features three goaltenders on NHL contracts, with Ersson joining Ullmark and Leevi Meriläinen, who also signed a one-year contract earlier this offseason. While Meriläinen remains in the picture, Ersson appears to have the clear inside track on the backup job heading into training camp.
Now, the former Flyer won’t have to wait long to see his old teammates.
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The NHL announced Wednesday that Ottawa’s home opener will come against Philadelphia on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.
The NHL season starts on September 29th this fall, so that means the Sens will likely open with a two- or three-game road trip. The full regular season schedule, now 84 games long, comes out tomorrow.
With two new extra games to be played in 2026-27, who’d be surprised if one of them is against Philly?
By Steve Warne
The Hockey News
