The Nashville Predators have made a major move ahead of the NHL free agency period by buying out the contract of center Matt Duchene. Duchene, who was acquired by the Predators in a three-team trade in February 2019, had two years remaining on his seven-year, $56 million contract.
The buyout comes as no surprise considering Duchene’s lack of production since joining the Predators. In his first season with the team, Duchene managed just 14 goals and 27 assists in 69 games. This past season, he had just 11 goals and 24 assists in 66 games.
The Predators are hoping that the buyout will free up some much-needed cap space to make a splash in free agency. With the salary cap expected to remain flat for the 2021-22 season, the Predators will need to be creative in order to improve their roster.
The buyout of Duchene’s contract also signals a shift in the team’s philosophy. The Predators have long been known for their defense-first approach, but this move shows that they are willing to make changes in order to compete for a Stanley Cup.
It remains to be seen what kind of impact the buyout of Duchene will have on the Predators’ roster and their chances of success in the upcoming season. However, it is clear that the team is willing to make bold moves in order to improve their chances of winning a championship.
Only time will tell if the Predators’ decision to buy out Matt Duchene was the right move, but it is clear that they are committed to making changes in order to compete for a Stanley Cup.
