There's 'A Gap to Bridge' In Senators Talks with Pending UFA Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux & the Senators need to 'bridge a gap' in contract talks

The Ottawa Senators have been attempting to re-sign veteran Claude Giroux ever since the season ended for them. And it seems like the feeling is mutual. But according to a new report from insider Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Sun, there seems to be "a gap to bridge."

Talks to keep Claude Giroux with the Ottawa Senators have reached a pivotal stage...
It’s a little surprising this deal hasn’t been completed because it shouldn’t take that long, but a negotiation has to take place... Sources say heading into this week, the two sides had a gap to bridge to get a deal done to keep Giroux from testing the market.

That "gap" apparently has to do with term, and how the contract is constructed.

Garrioch says the Senators are hoping to sign the 37-year-old veteran to a one-year deal at somewhat of a pay cut from the $6.5 million cap hit he's been on for the past three years. But just how much of a pay cut is the question.

Giroux finished this past season with 15 goals and 50 points while averaging 18:12 of ice time per night. He's an 11-time 20-goal scorer, and has 71 goals in three seasons for the Sens. He's a contributor on the power play and the penalty kill, and is still a solid middle-six forward.

The two sides spoke last week at the Combine in Buffalo, and have now "intensified their efforts to finalize a deal", writes Garrioch.

GM Steve Staios is still holding out hope that they can come to an agreement before July 1st free agency kicks in. But there'll need to be a little give-and-take still.

“It takes two sides,” Staios said late last week. “There’s good dialogue between both sides and I think we want to find some common ground.”