Below is the transcript of Claude Giroux's end of season session with the media on locker clean-out day...

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Q: What do you see moving forward that you didn't see two days ago?



"Everything happens pretty fast. It is not a good feeling when the season is over like that. Especially when you know our team could have made more damage. At the same time, we are a very young team and going into the beginning of the season with all of the new faces, new team and the way that this team came together, we had a pretty good season and got to second round. I think that is a good season. Obviously we are not satisfied, but it is a good start for what is going to come."



Claude Giroux posted a career high in goals (28), assists (65) and points (93) in 77 games in 2011-12

Q: Comparing the end of this year to last year



"We made a lot of changes. At the start of the season I think yes. Like I said, we have a lot of young players and guys care for each other. We have a good group of guys here; guys want to play for each other. Like I said, we come to the rink every day and we are happy to be here. That is obviously a pretty good step."



Q: On not being out there for the last game

"Yeah. When you see your team battle last game, they worked so hard and not being able to do anything about it. It is out of your control. Watching that game wasn't a good feeling and I wish I could've been there to go battle with them.  At the same time, I have to put it behind me and keep moving forward."



Q: Ending at the same time last year, does it feel different?

"It really does. This year, I don't know, it is a little disappointing because we know we could have [done] more damage. As a team, we kind of grew and it is disappointing to be in this place right now, but we have to be positive and be sure to take a lot of things out of this."



Q: On the possibility of being named Captain



"Yeah, I am not too sure what the plans are. I didn't have a meeting with [Peter Laviolette] or Mr. [Paul] Holmgren yet. Whatever decisions they take, we will go from there."



Q: Are you ready for it?



"If the time is right, yeah I think so."



Q: Have you talked to Chris Pronger at all?



"In the last few days I haven't seen him, so I don't know."



Q: Should Mike Richards and Jeff Carter go on to win the Stanley Cup, people are saying that 'Oh yeah this trade is really working out'. What is the irony in that and how will you respond?

"I like Mike [Richards] and Jeff [Carter], they were good teammates to me. I hope the best for them and they are having a pretty good season right now. They are still in and going to the Conference Finals. That is good for them, but I don't think they were bad trades at all. [Brayden] Schenn, [Sean Couturier], [Wayne] Simmonds and [Jakub Voracek] are a big part of this team. It is a different team without Jeff [Carter] and Mike [Richards], but at the same time I like our players. They are very good players and they are young. In the future, they are going to be even better. We are pretty excited."



Q: Did you watch the Capitals vs. Ranger game?



"No. It is hard to watch those games. I don't think I am going to be watching a lot of games in the future."



Q: Can you talk about [Jaromir] Jagr's contribution

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"If you ask anyone on this team, everyone wants him back. He is a good team player and he has helped so many guys in this room on and off the ice. It would be great to have him back, but I am not sure what the plans are. He is that kind of teammate that you want on your team."