NHL Free Agency 2023: Matt Duchene’s Buyout Sends Shockwaves Throughout League

Shockwaves in the NHL: Matt Duchene Bought Out

The NHL Free Agency Landscape

The NHL free agency period begins on July 1st, and while there may not be many top-tier talents available this year, there is still plenty of value to be found among the free agents. Players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, and Matt Duchene are among the big names up for grabs, while others like Alex Killorn, J.T. Compher, and Blake Wheeler will surely attract the attention of general managers looking to bolster their rosters.

Matt Duchene’s Unexpected Buyout

In a surprising move, the Nashville Predators have decided to buy out the contract of forward Matt Duchene. Duchene, who had a relatively average season with 56 points in 71 games, was bought out due to his $8-million cap hit. However, it’s worth noting that he had an impressive 2021-22 season, scoring 43 goals and adding 43 assists. While the buyout will save the Predators $5.44 million in the 2023-24 season, the savings will be more modest in the following two years. The team will still have $1.55 million cap hits from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

Implications of the Buyout

The buyout of Duchene’s contract is just one of eight buyouts that have taken place this year. Other notable names on that list include Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Zack Kassian, and Blake Wheeler. Teams also have until 5pm to buy out players with a No-Movement Clause, so there may be more buyouts to come.

Corey Perry Joins the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks wasted no time in making moves, as they signed veteran winger Corey Perry to a one-year, $4-million deal. Perry brings leadership and experience to a Blackhawks team that recently drafted No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard. This signing comes on the heels of Taylor Hall, another former Hart Trophy winner, joining the organization in recent weeks. Perry had 12 goals and 25 points in 81 games while playing a fourth-line role with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season.

Hurricanes Re-signing Jesper Fast, Parting Ways with Jesse Puljujarvi

The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly close to a deal with pending unrestricted free agent Jesper Fast, while it appears they will be parting ways with Jesse Puljujarvi. Fast is expected to sign a two-year extension with a $2.4 million cap hit. He has been a reliable depth contributor for the Hurricanes over the past three seasons, providing 10 goals and 29 points in 80 games and making an impact on the penalty kill.

On the other hand, Puljujarvi will not receive a qualifying offer from the Hurricanes after recently undergoing double hip surgery. This unfortunate development makes him a free agent. Puljujarvi, the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, struggled last season, recording just two assists in 17 games with the Hurricanes after being traded from the Edmonton Oilers.

Editorial: Evaluating the NHL Free Agency Moves

The NHL free agency period is always an exciting time for hockey fans, as teams have the opportunity to add new players and make significant changes to their rosters. While this year’s class of free agents may not be as star-studded as in previous years, there is still value to be found for teams willing to dig a little deeper.

The buyout of Matt Duchene’s contract by the Predators is undoubtedly a headline-grabbing move. Duchene is a talented offensive player, and his surprising buyout raises questions about the team’s future plans and financial flexibility. It remains to be seen what the next step for Duchene will be and which teams will show interest in signing him. His recent strong season could make him an attractive target for teams looking to add offensive firepower.

The signing of Corey Perry by the Chicago Blackhawks is an interesting development. Perry brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a team that is going through a transitional phase with young talent like Connor Bedard. His presence in the locker room could be invaluable, and his on-ice contributions, though diminished from his prime, can still be significant.

As for the Carolina Hurricanes, the decision to re-sign Jesper Fast and part ways with Jesse Puljujarvi reflects the team’s belief in the former and the concerns about the latter’s ability to bounce back from injury. Fast has proven to be a reliable depth player for the Hurricanes, while Puljujarvi has had a rocky start to his NHL career. It will be interesting to see if Puljujarvi can find a new team that can help him rediscover his potential.

Advice for General Managers

As the free agency period begins, general managers must carefully evaluate the available players and their team’s needs. While it may be tempting to pursue the big names, it’s important to consider the value that can be found in under-the-radar signings. Players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, and Alex Killorn may not generate as much buzz as the top-tier talents, but they can make a significant impact on a team’s success.

Furthermore, general managers should approach buyouts with caution. While they can provide short-term relief to a team’s salary cap, they can also have long-term implications. It’s crucial to weigh the immediate savings against the potential consequences down the line.

Lastly, the success of free agency moves ultimately relies on the ability of teams to integrate new players into their systems and locker rooms. Chemistry and communication are key factors in a team’s success, so general managers should consider these intangibles when making signings.

Overall, the NHL free agency period promises to be an exciting time for fans and teams alike. The moves made during this period could have a significant impact on the league‘s landscape, and it will be fascinating to see how teams navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with free agency.