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Who should be the Predators’ top target this offseason?

By Jake Evans

Apr 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Option #1

One of the most discussed and most intriguing options is Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene. The 26-year old Canadian center has spent all 8 years of his career with the Avalanche. Immediately, Matt Duchene became a playmaker. In his debut season in 2009-2010, at just 19-years old, Duchene tallied 24 goals and 31 assists. He followed up his 55 point rookie season with an even better 67 point season. In eight NHL seasons, Duchene has put up 418 points, with 50+ points in five of those seasons.

Duchene has proven year after year that he is an elite NHL center, and that he can thrive when given the right support. Last season, Duchene received almost no help from the Avalanche, as they posted a league worst 22-56 record last season. Likewise, Duchene’s numbers suffered, as he posted a career low with 18 goals and 23 assists. As a result of the Avalanche’s poor record, and the lowest goals allowed average by 61, Duchene posted a league worst -34.

Clearly, some of Duchene’s numbers are misleading. He is still a talented, young player, who when put with the right supporting cast, should thrive. With the potential retirement of Mike Fisher, the Predators might be in need of another experienced center, and Duchene perfectly fits that role. Fisher only put up 50+ points once in his seven year career in Nashville, while Duchene has done it five times in eight years with Colorado.

Duchene, who was the third overall draft pick in 2009, currently has two years left on his deal with Colorado. He is expected to make $6 million next season. If the Predators were willing to give up a defenseman, and take on Duchene’s contract, we might be looking at Fisher’s replacement.

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