NHL Rumors: Claude Giroux almost joined Carolina Hurricanes?

37-year-old veteran Claude Giroux decided what was best for himself and his family was re-signing with the Ottawa Senators this offseason. Giroux signed a one-year incentive-laced deal with the Sens, and returns 'home' before even listening to other teams. Turns out, if he would have hit free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes would have reportedly been all over him.

According to Elliotte Friedman via his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, the hockey insider felt the Hurricanes would have certainly given Giroux the contract he was looking for. Carolina continues to search for a second-line center, as they've been busy adding high-end talent on the wing with Nik Ehlers, but do have a gaping hole down the middle of their ice.

Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky also made a very bold move sending a first, and second-round pick to the New York Rangers, along with a top prospect, for defenceman K'Andre Miller. With both goaltenders coming back next season, and a reshaped blueline, the 'Canes are once again going to be a playoff team, and could compete for the Stanley Cup.

Adding Giroux would have shored up their center ice position, and now one week into free agency, it's likely the Hurricanes make another trade to try and build out their top six. They have over $10 million to work with in cap space, and certainly have the means to add another top-six forward, it's just going to cost them on the trade market, and with limited draft picks, it could be a prospect heavy package, along with one of their younger NHL roster players.

As for Giroux, he likely enters the final season of his NHL career, and will be doing so close to family and friends in Ottawa. His contract includes a no-movement clause, so if the Sens take a step back, he'll have full control of his destiny prior to the trade deadline. 

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