Top Center Target for Canadiens Officially Off the Market as Stars Sign Matt Duchene
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
We have our first major signing to announce in the NHL, and it has an impact on the Montreal Canadiens.
A solid top-six center is officially off the market, as the Dallas Stars have just announced the signing of forward
Matt Duchene.
A New 4-Year Contract for Matt Duchene With the Dallas Stars
He was certainly a player who would have been targeted by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens on July 1, especially at that price, but Duchene has ultimately decided to stay in Texas.
"Dallas Dutchy ain't leavin'!
We have signed Matt Duchene to a 4-year contract extension through the 2028-2029 season."
- Dallas Stars
Especially considering the major salary cap increase coming to the NHL, this is quite a steal for the Stars.
4.5 million per year over four seasons for a player like Duchene is a real bargain, if you ask me.
At 34 years old, Matt Duchene recorded 82 points in 82 games this season, serving as the Stars' second-line center, although the playoffs were more challenging for him.
In recent seasons, he has put up 65, 56, and 86 points.
He was a great option for the Canadiens, and one that seemed realistic, but now Montreal will officially have to look elsewhere to fill their need at center.
Previously on HabsFanatics
POLL |
JUIN 19 | 1604 ANSWERS Top Center Target for Canadiens Officially Off the Market as Stars Sign Matt Duchene Would you have given $4.5 Million for 4 years to Duchene? |
Absolutely | 771 | 48.1 % |
No | 833 | 51.9 % |
List of polls |