A Smart Move: Matt Duchene Signs a Value Deal with the Dallas Stars

Matt Duchene has signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars, with an average annual value of $3 million. The contract has been praised as an outstanding value deal for the Stars, who already have a strong scoring depth.

From Duchene’s perspective, the fit with the Stars was likely more important than the compensation. He was looking for a team where he could fit in, have a chance to win a Stanley Cup championship, and provide a good environment for his family. The Stars, with their talented roster including goalie Jake Oettinger, defenseman Miro Heiskanen, and a strong top line featuring Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson, appear to be the class of the Central Division.

Similar to Taylor Hall when he joined the Bruins, Duchene just wants to be part of a team where he can contribute and have a chance to win. He can be a quality piece on a team with a legitimate chance at a Stanley Cup. The contract is only for one year, giving both sides the option to extend the relationship or move on after the 2024 season.

Duchene’s previous contract was seen as an anchor, and he was being paid like a top center without delivering at that level. The Stars are acquiring Duchene for who he is at this point in his career, and there is still offensive potential in a better situation. Duchene scored at the second-best rate of his career in the 2021-22 season, and while he may not generate scoring chances at as high of a rate, he can still be a valuable contributor in the middle six of the lineup.

Overall, the contract is graded as a B+ in terms of fit and value. Duchene is not a splashy star forward, but he can be an important piece for the Stars. The fact that the Stars didn’t have to commit much financially and the contract is only for one year makes it a low-risk move for the team. With the right structure and support, Duchene can help address some of the inconsistencies in the Stars’ offense and provide additional scoring depth.

(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)

How does Matt Duchene’s one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars compare to his previous contract in terms of fit and value?

Matt Duchene Joins Dallas Stars on One-Year, $3 Million Deal

In a significant move for the Dallas Stars, Matt Duchene has officially signed a one-year contract with the team. With an average annual value of $3 million, this deal has been widely praised as a fantastic value for the Stars, who already boast strong scoring depth.

For Duchene, the fit with the Stars was of utmost importance, likely trumping the compensation. He was searching for a team where he could seamlessly integrate, have a shot at winning the prestigious Stanley Cup championship, and provide a positive environment for his family. Thankfully for Duchene, the Stars seem to tick all the boxes with their talented roster, including star goalie Jake Oettinger, ace defenseman Miro Heiskanen, and a formidable top line featuring Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson. The Stars are undoubtedly the team to beat in the Central Division.

Similar to Taylor Hall’s decision to join the Bruins, Duchene simply desires to be part of a team where he can contribute and contend for victory. He possesses the ability to be a critical asset on a team with genuine Stanley Cup aspirations. Given that the contract is only for one year, both Duchene and the Stars have the option to extend their relationship or part ways after the 2024 season.

Duchene’s previous contract was viewed as a burden, as he was being compensated as a top-tier center without consistently performing at that level. The Stars, however, are acquiring Duchene for his current abilities, believing he still holds untapped offensive potential in a more favorable situation. Duchene enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2021-22, scoring at the second-best rate of his professional life. Although he may not generate scoring chances at the same frequency, he can undoubtedly provide valuable contributions in the middle six of the lineup.

Overall, the contract garners a solid B+ grade in terms of both fit and value. Duchene may not be a flashy superstar forward, but he possesses the potential to be a crucial piece for the Stars. What makes this deal particularly enticing for the team is the minimal financial commitment and the contract’s short duration. This move carries minimal risk for the Stars. With the right structure and support, Duchene can help address some of the inconsistencies in the Stars’ offense while providing an extra layer of scoring depth.

(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)