I've been speculating on this, I think it's about a 50/50.

Giroux I can see taking a 3 or 4 yr deal in Philly at 6mil or less, but Ottawa is a bit too far away from real contention for Giroux to go there in his golden years.

Giroux has money and while he would go somewhere else at a better chance for the cup, (i dont think thats Ottawa), staying in Phi and making an additional 20mil in career earnings makes sense. Philly is so close (injuries to Hayes/Ellis withstanding) with a great mix of quality youth: Koneckny, Farabee, Alison, Provorov, Sanheim, Hart (and more on the way: York, Zamula, Frost, Foerster) and "mid-aged 26-30" vets like Couterier, Laughton, Ellis that this team over the next 3 years is a far better bet to win than Ottawa.

He is still playing at the top of his game and has no injury history, so I could see PHI and he agreeing to 5.5mil for 4 years.

JVR is moved (-7mil) and maybe Lindblom too (-3mil) and they can re-sign risto as 2RD or get a good 2RD through UFA. They have some real high end rookies (Frost, York, Zamula) arriving next year, playing well through injuries to critical players now, and aren;t that close to the cap if they move their 3rd line LW in JVR (even if its cost them a pick, ala Gotisbehere).

I would have a similar lineup, but with JVR moved, move JVR for nothing (with 1 yr left on his deal he will have suitors but for no real return). 12th forward could be foerster, jay o'brien, ratcliffe.

Resign Risto for 6mil and then get a UFA vet for 13th forward for 1.5 or less (a Brassard, Pacquette, Perreault).

So same lineup as above, BUT Lindblom as 3LW, and Foerster/O'Brien as 4LW or 4C. Risto as 2RD. And a quality offensive vet (like a Brassard) as 13th forward.

Couts will be a liability in 2 years if not before. You heard it here first