Kyle Dubas May Have Opportunity to Re-Ignite Flyers/Penguins Rivalry With Free Agent Signing

The Ottawa Senators took a solid run in 2024/25, but ultimately they would fall 4-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and now, they've got some big decisions to make in the off-season.

One of those is on veteran Claude Giroux, who is set to hit free agency at the age of 37, and while he'd be a fantastic piece to return to the team, at this point in time, all signs point to him testing out free agency, perhaps for the last time in his NHL career.

The Senators have indicated they want him back, and when asked about it, Giroux also revealed that he had plenty of fun in Ottawa and loves it there, but won't commit to his desires to return.

Now, this has opened the door for the Pittsburgh Penguins to potentially re-ignite their rivalry with the Philadelphia Flyers, as they could target the veteran in free agency after he spent the first 15 years of his career with their Pennsylvania rivals.

While his career is certainly winding down, Giroux was productive again in 2025, posting 15 goals and 50 points in 81 games with a +18 differential, and if Kyle Dubas and the Penguins are looking to push for a post-season spot in 2025/26, Giroux could be a solid addition to their middle-six.

It's unclear what level of interest the team have in Giroux at this point in time, but with the potential to bring in a former division rival as well as a solid veteran to help mentor the young core moving forward, don't be surprised to see them show plenty of interest in him over the coming months.