By Eric Stevens, Peter Boe, Eric Duhacek
The Predators waived forward Matt Duchen on Friday in an effort to buy out his contract. Here’s what you should know:
- The 32-year-old had three years left on a seven-year, $56 million ($8 million AAV total) contract signed in July 2019.
- Two of the three seasons have cap fees of $5.5 million and $6.5 million per season. cap friendly.
- Duchenne, who has played in Nashville for the past four seasons, had 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 appearances last season.
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trots era
Under new General Manager Barry Trotts, things are changing for Music City. First, it was Ryan Johansen who was basically given to Colorado. Now, this move away from Duchenne (at a cost) is another strong sign that the Predators are not only shifting gears, but moving to a different paradigm, at least when it comes to forward groups. .
Franchise stalwart Philip Forsberg remains at the forefront of the group, but this opens up more doors for young players like Tommy Novak, Philip Tommasino, Luke Evangelista and Juso Parsinen to grow and develop. will be opened. The defense still has the leadership of Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh and Tyson Barry (at least for the 2023-24 season) and has a lot of cash left and no desire to move star goalkeeper Giuse Saros. However, in addition to the transfer, it will be acquired by Duchene. Half of Johansen’s deal would give the Trots about $24 million in cap space.
Duchene will be on a contract for six years, which is not a good prospect. But this looks like Trotts has reconfigured the series in terms of culture. — stevens
What Duchenne Brings to Other NHL Teams
Duchenne remains a strong attacking player, scoring 43 goals in the 2021-22 season and playing more than a scoring clip per game, scoring 56 goals in 71 appearances last season.
There’s plenty of appetite for talent like him on the open market, especially given the weak free-agent floor this year. The 32-year-old’s skill and scoring ability make him one of the only game breakers on the market. — baud
Here’s what people forget about Duchene. Just two seasons ago, he was eighth on the NHL scoring list with 43 points, one behind Conor McDavid and one ahead of Stephen Stamkos and Matthew Tkachuk. No matter how you evaluate his remaining games, this team is crazy for its lack of focus at times. Even in Duchene’s off year last year, he scored 22 goals and 56 with the Predators.
Teams need to score, but he has the versatility to play in center or on the right wing. Given how thin the UFA market is in 2023, Duchenne could rise to the top of the chart for available NHL free agents. Keep in mind, too, that in a year of tight cash across the NHL, he could offer a discounted price on his next contract. And he might be inclined to do so, considering he’ll be getting checks from the Predators for the next six years. — duhaczyk
back story
The Avalanche selected Duchesne with the No. 3 pick in the 2009 NHL Draft and made his professional debut that season, appearing in 81 games and scoring 55 points. He played nine seasons with Colorado, then a year and a half with the Senators and briefly with the Blue Jackets.
He arrived in Nashville in 2019 and has since scored 84 goals, 113 for the team. His best season with the Predators was the 2021-22 season, when he tallied 43 goals each in scoring and assists.
The buyout makes Duchene an unrestricted free agent.
Other acquisitions
Teams can buy out players with a no-move or no-trade clause until 5 p.m. Players acquired so far include:
- Oliver Ekman Larsson (VAN)
- Patrick Nemeth (ARI)
- Zach Cassian (ARI)
- Josh Bailey (CHI)
- Mike Riley (BOS)
- Kyler Yamamoto (DET)
- Duchene (NSH)
- Blake Wheeler (WPG)
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(Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today)
