Matt Duchene surprisingly hit NHL Free Agency in 2023. The veteran center was bought out by the Nashville Predators following the 2022-23 season. To an extent, it's understandable why the Predators valued the extra cap space. However, Duchene certainly proved that he can still produce at a high level.
The Ontario native scored 25 goals and 65 points for the Dallas Stars this season. He became the team's second-line center. And the surrounding support he had on that team helped him thrive. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though, he had a bit of a rough time offensively.
Duchene did score an overtime winner to send the Stars to the Western Conference Final. However, that goal was the second goal he scored throughout the postseason. Furthermore, he was blanked in the West Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Overall, he managed just two goals and six points this postseason.
Still, Duchene should have plenty of suitors in NHL Free Agency. If he decides to leave the Stars, where could he end up? Let's take a look at the best destinations for Matt Duchene on the open market this summer.
Kings could be an option
The Los Angeles Kings were defeated once again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Things were supposed to be different after their massive trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois. However, Dubois has not worked out in the City of Angels. In fact, he was demoted to the fourth line because of his play this season.
As a result, the Kings may look to the center market in NHL Free Agency. Their second-line center is currently Phillip Danault. Danault is certainly a great player, though he is more defense-oriented. If they want more playmaking on the second line, they could give Duchene a shot. If they want to try Quinton Byfield as the second-line center, then Duchene can move to the wing.
The Kings are projected to have nearly $20 million in salary cap space this summer. And they are preparing to lose some of their free agents, as well. Perhaps they can replace the production lost with Matt Duchene in NHL Free Agency.
Canucks could explore center market
The Canucks also fell in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year. Vancouver won the Pacific Division and came within a game of the 2024 Western Conference Final. However, they lost to the eventual champions of the West, the Edmonton Oilers.
The Canucks enter an interesting offseason. They are looking to build upon a highly successful season. But they are also preparing to lose some key members of their roster. One player expected to leave is Elias Lindholm. The midseason trade acquisition will hit NHL Free Agency on July 1.
Matt Duchene could replace some of the production lost by Lindholm. He is a better offensive threat than Lindholm which could certainly help Vancouver as they look to contend next season. The 33-year-old also brings playoff experience that can also help them if they want to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025.
Bruins need more center depth
Before the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins lost two of their best centers. David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron hung up their skates and retired. Boston elected to trust Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle to anchor their top two lines. And, to an extent, it worked. Zacha and Coyle set new career highs for points this season.
However, the playoffs showed that center depth is still a need. Coyle and Zacha played all 13 playoff games for the Bruins. But they weren't offensive forces. Zacha scored six points while Coyle managed five in those games. Boston needs to add a playmaker in NHL Free Agency, and that's where Duchene comes in.
Duchene could join Boston and immediately be the team's top-line center. His playmaking with David Pastrnak's shot would give opposing teams nightmares. And he would help Boston keep their competitive window up just a little longer moving forward.
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