The Most Likely Destinations for Matt Duchene Have Been Revealed
The Nashville Predators made a shocking move when they bought out Matt Duchene yesterday. It now appears he has many suitors.
Duchene Buyout
Only one year removed from a career high 43-goal, 86-point season, Duchene was probably the second best forward on the Predators.
Good analytically, and high-end offensively, Duchene's buyout can only be summed up to one thing - culture.
New Predators GM Barry Trotz has put an emphasis on culture, and it appears Duchene doesn't fit the mold of player he wants on his inaugural team as GM.
He will have many suitors in free agency, however.
Five Teams Emerge as Possibilities for Matt Duchene
Five teams have emerged as the frontrunners for Duchene, per the hockey blog ClutchPoints:
Ottawa Senators: The Senators are a team that are knocking on the door of playoff contention in the Atlantic Division, and with Duchene, they could get over that hump and make the playoffs in 2023-24. It would make sense for the 32-year-old to at least consider a reunion in the Canadian capital, especially with their star power up front.
Detroit Red Wings: Like the Ottawa Senators, the Detroit Red Wings will be knocking on the door of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference next season, and could use another top player like Duchene to get over the hump. This is another place where he could have great linemates, and would look excellent either on Dylan Larkin's wing or centering his own line in the top-six.
Montreal Canadiens: Duchene would undoubtedly speed up the rebuild in Montreal, and GM Kent Hughes has a ton of cap space to work with and the tools to lock him up to either a short or long-term deal. The young team would also benefit from his veteran leadership next season and beyond.
Colorado Avalanche: Although it's well-known that Matt Duchene and Colorado had a less-than-amicable split after he requested a trade out of Denver following an abysmal 48-point campaign for the team, it might be time to let bygones be bygones and reunite player and club in 2023.
New York Islanders: The New York Islanders play a great defensive system, but they really struggle to score goals. Bo Horvat wasn't quite the answer the team thought he would be on the offensive side of the puck as the team lost in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first-round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings: Like the Ottawa Senators, the Detroit Red Wings will be knocking on the door of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference next season, and could use another top player like Duchene to get over the hump. This is another place where he could have great linemates, and would look excellent either on Dylan Larkin's wing or centering his own line in the top-six.
Montreal Canadiens: Duchene would undoubtedly speed up the rebuild in Montreal, and GM Kent Hughes has a ton of cap space to work with and the tools to lock him up to either a short or long-term deal. The young team would also benefit from his veteran leadership next season and beyond.
Colorado Avalanche: Although it's well-known that Matt Duchene and Colorado had a less-than-amicable split after he requested a trade out of Denver following an abysmal 48-point campaign for the team, it might be time to let bygones be bygones and reunite player and club in 2023.
New York Islanders: The New York Islanders play a great defensive system, but they really struggle to score goals. Bo Horvat wasn't quite the answer the team thought he would be on the offensive side of the puck as the team lost in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first-round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
As Read on Hockey Feed - Duchene linked to several teams following Preds buyout
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 1 | 143 ANSWERS The Most Likely Destinations for Matt Duchene Have Been Revealed Do you think the Predators made the right decision buying out Duchene? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 41.3 % |
| No | 84 | 58.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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