Veteran forward Claude Giroux is set to remain with the Ottawa Senators after agreeing to a one-year contract, as confirmed by a source familiar with the discussions. This arrangement is noteworthy as it comes just days before Giroux was due to enter free agency. The confirmation by the Associated Press indicates the potential for this deal to bolster Ottawa’s roster following the team’s return to playoff contention for the first time in eight years. Giroux, who previously served as captain for the Philadelphia Flyers, contributed significantly last season with 15 goals and 35 assists, culminating in a total of 50 points over 81 games. This marks Giroux’s fourth season in Ottawa, where he aims to further solidify his legacy with the club.
In addition to Giroux’s contract news, the Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant move by re-signing defenseman Dante Fabbro to a four-year contract worth $16.5 million. Fabbro was acquired by the Blue Jackets in November after being placed on waivers by the Nashville Predators. Throughout the subsequent season, he demonstrated his capability by achieving a career-high of 26 points. General Manager Don Waddell emphasized the importance of retaining Fabbro, who, even after a challenging start in Nashville, proved his worth in Columbus. His consistency on the blue line will likely be a key aspect of the Blue Jackets’ strategy going forward.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have taken the unexpected step of placing forward Conor Sheary on unconditional waivers with the intention of terminating his contract. Sheary, a veteran of ten NHL seasons, faced a challenging period during the last season, playing only five games with the Lightning due to extensive salary cap restrictions that often kept him in the minors. Despite his two Stanley Cup victories with Pittsburgh during his first seasons in the league, Sheary’s recent performance left something to be desired. Over his time with Tampa Bay, he accumulated four goals and 15 points in 62 games, prompting the team’s decision to let him go.
The Seattle Kraken have also made roster adjustments, placing forward Joe Veleno on unconditional waivers to facilitate the buyout of the final year of his contract. Veleno was recently acquired in a trade from Detroit, which sent forward Andre Burakovsky to Chicago. Entering his fifth season, Veleno’s performance in the NHL has included 38 goals and 81 points across 306 games. The Kraken’s decision to buy him out reflects their ongoing roster evolution and possibly a strategy to reshape their forwards in a highly competitive Western Conference.
In a related move, the Anaheim Ducks secured their goaltending depth by extending Ville Husso’s contract for another two years. Husso, who spent part of the last season with the Ducks, is anticipated to play a supporting role behind the newly acquired Petr Mrazek and the projected starter Lukas Dostal. With a solid NHL record of 71 wins and 46 losses, Husso adds a layer of experience to the Ducks’ goaltending lineup as they look to compete in the forthcoming season. This decision signifies the Ducks’ commitment to ensuring a strong goaltending tandem while navigating the challenges of an evolving roster.
These developments reflect the dynamic nature of the NHL, where decisions made in the offseason have lasting impacts on franchises. Teams are actively engaged in reshaping their rosters, whether through securing pivotal players like Giroux and Fabbro or making tough calls like waiving veterans such as Sheary and Veleno. As the league gears up for another competitive season, these transactions will be crucial in determining the success and stability of the franchises involved. The interplay of contracts, trades, and strategic decisions showcases the constant evolution and strategic maneuvering that characterizes professional hockey.
