(Smiley N. Pool/Dallas Morning News)
After being bought out of his contract by the Predators after the 2022-23 season, Matt Duchene bet on himself. Duchene signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Stars in July 2023. In his first season in Dallas, Duchene thrived and is looking for a new contract. But, Dallas can avoid a mistake that Colorado and Nashville made with Duchene.
Duchene proved to be an important piece in Dallas’ 2023-24 season as they clinched the best record in the Western Conference for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Duchene recorded 65 points (25G, 40A) in 80 games. Duchene was tied for third on the Stars with Joe Pavelski with 40 assists.
Duchene wants to be back in Dallas and so do most Stars fans. However, this situation Duchene is in has been before. In July 2013, Duchene signed a five-year, $30 million extension with the Avalanche. In the 2013-14 season, Duchene recorded 70 points for the Avalanche. However, in the next three and a half years before being traded to the Senators, Duchene never recorded more than 60 points in a season for the Avalanche.
(Claus Anderson/Getty Images)
After Duchene’s extension he received in Colorado at $6 million per year ended after the 2019 Playoffs when he was a member of the Blue Jackets, the Predators gave Duchene a seven-year, $56 million contract in July 2019. In the 2021-22 season, Duchene recorded the best year of his career. Duchene recorded new career-highs in points with 86 and goals with 43. Next season, Duchene dropped off and recorded 56 points and 22 goals. Duchene was then bought out his contract with three years remaining.
Is Duchene worth a lengthy contract? Not necessarily. In the 2024 Playoffs, Duchene struggled. Yes, Duchene scored the biggest goal of his career in double overtime to send the Stars to the Conference Finals.
But, outside of his Game 6 winner against the Avalanche in round two, Duchene scored one goal. Duchene finished the Playoffs with 6 points. Rookie Logan Stankoven recorded more points (8) in the 2024 Playoffs than Duchene. In the Conference Finals against the Oilers, Duchene recorded no points. And, the Stars will be deciding to keep other free agents on their team this Summer like Chris Tanev, Scott Wedgewood, Sam Steel and Ty Dellandrea.
How much would a new Duchene contract be for and how long approximately? About 2-3 years worth $4-4.25 million. Given the history with Duchene in long deals, the Stars might not feel ready to give a contract of 3-5 years worth over $5 million. Duchene will also turn 34 next season on Jan. 16.
Duchene bet on himself to earn a bigger contract when he signed with Dallas for less money. It could be a move that can make or break him at his age and the team he signs with. While he wants to stay in Dallas like Tanev, a big contract could come with a risk as it’s been the past two times with long contracts signed when in Colorado and Nashville.
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