Nashville Predators Place Matt Duchene on Waivers for Contract Buyout
By Eric Stephens, Peter Baugh, and Eric Duhatschek
In a surprising move, the Nashville Predators have placed forward Matt Duchene on waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract. The 32-year-old had three years remaining on his seven-year, $56 million contract signed in July 2019. Duchene’s contract carried an $8 million average annual value (AAV), with cap charges of $5.5 million and $6.5 million for the next two seasons, according to CapFriendly.
Duchene, who played for the Predators for the past four seasons, had a productive 2021-22 season, recording 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 games. However, the team’s new general manager, Barry Trotz, seems to be ushering in a new era in Music City. This move, along with the recent trade of Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche, indicates a shift in the team’s forward group and a desire to create more cap space.
With Duchene’s contract off the books, Trotz now has approximately $24 million in cap space to work with. This opens up opportunities for younger players like Tommy Novak, Philip Tomasino, Luke Evangelista, and Juuso Parssinen to step up and contribute. While Duchene’s buyout will still have a financial impact on the team for the next six years, it appears to be part of Trotz’s plan to reset the franchise’s culture.
Despite the buyout, Duchene remains a strong offensive player who could bring value to another NHL team. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 43 goals and averaged more than a point per game. Last season, he recorded 56 points in 71 games. Given the weak free agent class this year, there will likely be significant interest in Duchene’s services. His scoring ability and versatility to play either center or right wing make him one of the few gamebreakers available on the market.
It’s important to remember that Duchene has had impressive seasons in the past. Just two seasons ago, he ranked eighth in NHL goal-scoring, with 43 goals. Even in what was considered an off year for him last season, he managed to score 22 goals and tally 56 points for the Predators. Teams in need of scoring will undoubtedly be intrigued by Duchene’s potential impact.
Duchene’s journey in the NHL began when he was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche with the third overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. He spent nine seasons with the Avalanche before brief stints with the Ottawa Senators and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He joined the Predators in 2019 and has since recorded 84 goals and 113 assists for the team. His best season with the Predators came in 2021-22, where he scored and assisted on 43 goals each.
With the buyout, Duchene becomes an unrestricted free agent, giving him the opportunity to explore his options and potentially sign with a new team. As teams have until 5 p.m. to buy out players with no-move or no-trade clauses, it remains to be seen if any other players will join Duchene on the list of buyouts.
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What impact will Duchene’s contract buyout have on the Predators’ salary cap flexibility and ability to make offseason moves
A larger plan to reshape the Predators roster and build for the future.
The decision to buy out Duchene’s contract was likely influenced by his declining production and the team’s need to create salary cap flexibility. Since signing his contract with the Predators, Duchene has failed to live up to expectations, averaging just 0.52 points per game during his time in Nashville. His lack of consistent offensive production, combined with his hefty contract, made him a prime candidate for a buyout.
By placing Duchene on waivers, the Predators are giving themselves the option to buy out the remainder of his contract. This move allows them to spread the cap hit over a longer period of time, reducing the immediate financial impact on the team. While the Predators will still be responsible for paying Duchene a portion of his salary for the next six seasons, they will be able to free up valuable cap space in the short term.
The buyout of Duchene’s contract also signals a shift in the team’s roster construction. With the departures of Duchene and Johansen, the Predators are moving towards a younger, more cost-effective lineup. This will give the team the flexibility to make additional moves in the offseason, whether that be acquiring new players or re-signing key contributors.
Overall, the decision to place Matt Duchene on waivers for a contract buyout is a bold move by the Nashville Predators. It reflects a desire to create cap space, reshape the roster, and build for the future. While the buyout will have long-term financial implications, it provides the team with the flexibility needed to make necessary changes and compete in a highly competitive Central Division. Only time will tell if this move pays off for the Predators, but it certainly has the potential to set the team on a new course.
It’s unfortunate to see Matt Duchene being waived by the Nashville Predators. As a talented forward, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for him and which team will give him a chance to rediscover his game. Best of luck to Duchene in his future endeavors.
It’s unfortunate to see Matt Duchene being waived by the Nashville Predators. It will be interesting to see where his career goes from here.