The trade deadline is less than a week away, and it seems as though the Ottawa Senators have clarity on at least one of their pending free agents. Matt Duchene will almost surely be traded. That’s the sentiment coming out of several reports over the last few days. But where he will eventually end up is still anyone’s guess, even as the best fits start to present themselves. The Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders have all been linked to the star center, with several other teams mentioned in the rumor mill over the last few weeks. Even more than that have likely checked in on Duchene at some point, wondering if he could perhaps be the missing piece for a Stanley Cup playoff run.
Today, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) detailed the various options for Duchene’s camp as they attempt to secure an eight-year deal in free agency. A deadline deal and then sign-and-trade is not out of the question, thus including teams that may not want to give up the assets in-season. A free agent can only sign an eight-year deal with the team that owns his rights as of the latest trade deadline, meaning whoever gets him before Monday passes would have to orchestrate a deal of that length.
Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia also suggested that a sign-and-trade may be on the table, and notes that the Senators actually started “quietly shopping” Duchene last week. The expected asking price according to the Ottawa-based scribe would be a first-round pick, high-end prospect and another piece.
Like with Artemi Panarin and teammate Mark Stone, a deal for Duchene could potentially set the market for these exceptional rental options and quickly get things moving ahead of the deadline. All three will have a dramatic effect on whoever acquires them, and no one wants to waste assets on the second tier of available players before getting a crack at a star.
So who will end up acquiring Duchene? Will the Senators strike a last second deal to keep him in Ottawa long-term, or will he be on the move for the second time in less than two years? What will it eventually cost to get him? Cast your vote below and make sure to explain why in the comments.
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I’d say Nashville is probably his most likely destination.
Eh no islanders
Dark horse pick.. Chicago blackhawks.. heard it here first
No way he gets traded to Chicago with the run they are on. What would they give up? They already have Toews Strome and Anisimov down the middle and Kruger on the 4th line. No room for him.
Marcus Krüger and Artem Anisimov shouldn’t exactly stop you from adding a number 1 center.
Good call on Nashville Goat. First of Toews is the number 1 center. Second line if one does homework would realize Strome is 2nd line paired with his former Erie Otter teammate Debrincat as his winger. They’re is no need to add him.
If he agrees to a sign and trade then i can see Duchene land in Montreal for Suzuki + picks.
If the price is right for the Hawks, you add him and figure it out. Duchene lines up well on the wing too. As seen during international play.
I picked the Bruins, but really there are 5 or 6 teams that could go for him. Ottawa could get a nice return if they can manage to get a bidding war going.
Excellent call on that Duchene to Hawks Jd and loop. 0 for 1. Like I said they wouldn’t trade for him nor do they need him. He’s “over rated”!!! He’s gonna have fun now playing for a owner that actually gives a shit. Ottawa should lose there franchise. Worst owner and fans in the league!