ST. PAUL, Minn. — One of the top remaining unrestricted free agents is no longer available.

Claude Giroux agreed to return to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, taking another experienced top-six forward off the market as the Minnesota Wild continue evaluating ways to improve their roster.

While there were no public reports linking the Wild to Giroux, the 38-year-old checked several boxes that could have made him an intriguing fit in Minnesota.

He remains a productive offensive player, recorded 49 points last season, can play both center and wing, is one of the NHL's premier faceoff men, and has long been regarded as a respected veteran leader.

General manager Bill Guerin said Monday that the Wild remain flexible and are still willing to explore opportunities if the right move presents itself.

"We remain flexible," Guerin said. "Right now we're just going to focus on the guys that we got and we'll continue to look at everything that's out there. If there's something that makes sense that'll make our team better, we will do it."

Giroux's decision to remain in Ottawa means one fewer impact forward is available should Minnesota decide to add another proven top-six option before training camp.

The Wild addressed several needs this offseason by acquiring Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta while signing Maxim Shabanov, but questions remain about who will fill the offensive void left by the departures of Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson and Vladimir Tarasenko.

As the free-agent market continues to thin, Minnesota's remaining opportunities to add established scoring help are becoming increasingly limited.

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