The Philadelphia Flyers' fanbase thought Claude Giroux was coming back.
That was the indication earlier in NHL free agency, that Giroux would leave the Ottawa Senators to play for the main franchise of his time in the league.
Instead, Giroux isn't leaving.
Reports on Monday night clarified that Giroux will actually be staying with the Senators.
He will return to Ottawa, it is getting done https://t.co/LotkjuqKD6
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 7, 2026It's certainly a disappointment in Philly, where a Giroux return would've been call.
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Why isn't Claude Giroux signing with Flyers?
The reality is that the reports were premature.
NHL insider David Pagnotta has owned that on X on Monday night:
Apologies to Flyers fans. Several people across the league told me he was going back. I’ll eat it.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 7, 2026The insider game is a tough one, and in this case, something didn't quite work out right.
Giroux had made it seem pretty clear he wanted an Ottawa return, but then as the offseason trickled along, the idea of rejoining the Flyers emerged.
In the end, Giroux stuck with his original plan, and one that leaves Philadelphia fans feeling a bit bummed out about the whole thing.

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