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Nashville Predators: Four Players Who Could Be Traded Soon

By Rich Howe

Jan 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Duchene, Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators (Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports) /

Matt Duchene

Matt Duchene finds himself in a similar situation to Johansen. He had incredible seasons with former teams, but has struggled during his time in Nashville.

Duchene has multiple seasons of scoring 25 goals or more. Unfortunately, he only tallied 13 goals last season and finds himself with only two goals in 11 games played this season.

Also, like Johansen, it may be challenging to move Duchene’s contract. His current contract pays him $8M a year and extends until the end of the 2024-25 season.

If moving Duchene becomes an option, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Predators don’t have to retain a portion of his salary in order to make a deal.

While the preference would be for Duchene to figure out his game and perform up to expectations, that may or may not ever happen. The bottom line is his current production doesn’t warrant such a large paycheck.

With a recent surge in play, the hope is that Duchene is turning a corner and will finally play up to his capabilities. If Duchene can’t turn the corner, his time in Nashville may come to an end.

Duchene is also playing alongside Filip Forsberg and Mikael Granlund, and this line looks to be the most productive for the Predators now. Maybe that will ignite Duchene’s play.

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