Duchene to have final 3 years of contract bought out by Predators

Matt Duchene was placed on unconditional waivers by the Nashville Predators on Friday for the purpose of buying out the final three seasons of his contract.

The 32-year-old forward will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. He signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Predators on July 1, 2019, an average annual value of $8 million.

Duchene had 56 points (22 goals, 34 assists) in 71 games this season for Nashville, which did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He had a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win against the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 15, 2022, to pass 700 points in the NHL, becoming the second player from the 2009 NHL Draft to do so (John Tavares).

The No. 3 pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2009, Duchene has 744 points (316 goals, 428 assists) in 976 regular-season games for the Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Predators. He has 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 32 playoff games.