Edmonton Oilers will not sign Ottawa Senators free agent Claude Giroux, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. The confirmation ends speculation that the veteran forward could join the Oilers, but it also creates opportunity for younger players on the roster.
Giroux Not Coming to Edmonton
Friedman stated clearly that Giroux will not be signing in Edmonton. The Oilers had been in the mix for the 38-year-old forward, but they are now out of the running. Friedman also wondered aloud whether the Oilers might have interest in other free agents, such as Minnesota Wild's Vladimir Tarasenko.
There had been some confusion as recently as Friday about whether Giroux had ruled out the Oilers, but Friedman's report resolves the uncertainty.
Opportunity for Young Oilers
The news is disappointing for the Oilers, who could have used a solid veteran like Giroux. However, it opens the door for younger players to earn roster spots. Friedman specifically mentioned Josh Samanski, Ike Howard, Colton Dach, and newcomer Eduards Tralmaks as players who now have more opportunity to stick with the team.
Tralmaks, 29, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds. He scored 26 goals in 64 AHL games last season. Friedman noted that Tralmaks might be the kind of player new Oilers coach Mike Babcock likes. "He's just no-nonsense. He played a hard game, a hard, straight line game for Latvia (in the Olympics). I've seen guys like this play for Babcock before," Friedman said.
Impact on Oilers' Roster
The Oilers have been active in free agency, bolstering their blueline and locking in young veterans for the 2026-27 season. General Manager Stan Bowman has been busy shaping the roster, and the decision on Giroux is just one piece of the puzzle. The team may also be waiting on a massive offer sheet to determine the future of another NHL star.
With Giroux off the table, the Oilers will likely turn their attention to other options, including possibly signing a player like Tarasenko. The team's younger players will also have a chance to prove themselves in training camp.
