Nashville Predators: Matt Duchene is Not the Answer for the Predators

Matt Duchene is the hottest commodity on the trading block, and linked to the Nashville Predators. Is he the best option for the Predators?

The Colorado Avalanche have one of the hottest players on the trading block this offseason. Matt Duchene has garnered interest from many teams, but Nashville appears to be the team linked to him more than any other. This relationship dates back to this past season’s trade deadline. The Predators were looking to add a top-6 forward, but were not willing to give up one of their top defenseman. Now, four months later, has anything changed?

Following the free agent signings of Nick Bonino and for Scott Hartnell there were rumors that the Predators were again looking to trade for Duchene. Reports have since surfaced that Colorado’s General Manager, Joe Sakic is still asking for too much, though. The key piece in the trade that Sakic reportedly wants is a top-4 defenseman, likely either Mattias Ekholm or Ryan Ellis. However, David Poile has made it clear he is not touching any of the big-four defensemen. Now, with both general managers refusing to budge on their demands, it is unlikely that a deal gets done.

By the Numbers

In 2014, Duchene signed a 5-year 30-million-dollar contract. This was a well-warranted contract, at the time. Looking at it now though, and it appears Colorado overpaid. Duchene is set to make 12.5 million over the next two years. That is a lot of money for someone who only scored 41 points last season. Combine that with a plus/minus of -34 and it is understandable why Poile is hesitant to trade for Duchene.

To put into perspective, there were six Predators’ players who scored 41 or more points last season. All of whom with an AAV less than Duchene, with exception of Filip Forsberg who made the same amount. The two recent additions to Nashville, Bonino and Hartnell, both tallied 37 points last season and are making significantly less money than Duchene.

This is not to say that Duchene is not a terrific player, because he is. All this is saying is that Sakic is asking for way too much for the production Duchene has put out. Then, when paired with the 6-million-dollar contract, it just would not be advantageous for the Predators to make a move for him.

Better Options

With all this said, Nashville is still looking to replace the production from James Neal. At this point there is not a ton of options left. One player who would make a lot of sense and fit well in Nashville is Alex Galchenyuk. Currently, Galchenyuk is an RFA with the Montreal Canadians, but there are rumors that Montreal is looking to move him.

The former number three overall pick scored 44 points in 61 games last season and scored 56 the year before. The young forward has plenty of upside and is only 23 years old. Galchenyuk made 2.8 million the past two years, but he will be getting a hefty pay raise this offseason. The only question that remains is if Nashville would be able to afford him after resigning all of their restricted free agents.

Most notable free agents have already signed with their teams by now; however, there are still a few who are left. Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla are two veterans still on the market, but their age could be a concern for Poile. Still, Jagr managed to score 46 points last season and is still playing some pretty good hockey. Jagr could turn into a one-year temporary fix and at a good price, too.

Lastly, it may be a longshot, but Ilya Kovalchuk is reportedly heading back to the NHL. For the past four seasons Kovalchuk has played in the KHL in Russia. If he does end up making his return, he will likely want to play somewhere where he can win right away and Nashville would be a prime spot for his talents. As of now, nothing should be expected of Kovalchuk coming to Nashville, but the possibility should not be ruled out either.

Next: Ryan Johansen Deserves Big Payday

The Nashville Predators have options. And fans wait to see what comes next.