As we get closer to the end of the 2023 calendar, the holidays are a time for reflection. Ours highs and lows, where we thrived, what we can improve on, and also a chance to look forward to what’s ahead.
The same goes for sports, and what better time than now to look back on our more recent offseason and the transactions that took place. One that has stood out above the rest was Matt Duchene, who after being bought out by the Nashville Predators just four years into a seven-year contract, signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dallas Stars.
So far, it’s looked like a great move by the Stars. Through 29 games in 2023-24, Duchene has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points, third on the team in total scoring. Right now, the Stars have an 18-8-4 record with 40 points, tied for second in the Western Conference’s Central Division.
On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli discuss Duchene’s season and his value to a Stars lineup that’s looking to hoist the Stanley Cup this summer.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Who is your big winner in terms of an offseason transaction?
Frank Seravalli: My big winner is the Dallas Stars and bringing in Matt Duchene. I think what they’ve gotten up to this point is not just a highly-motivated player, but a really productive one. Twenty-seven points in 29 games. He’s gotten back to a level that he can play at, but hasn’t done consistently enough in the NHL, and I think he’s also fit in really well with this Stars team.
The Stars were my pick to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season, and I don’t really have much reason to change.
Tyler Yaremchuk: The thing about Duchene is that he wasn’t someone who was coming off an exceptionally poor season. He had 22 goals last year, and it’s difficult to score 22 goals in the NHL. The year before that, he scored 40 goals and was someone who had over a point per game. For only $3 million this year, he’s giving you incredible value.
You can watch the rest of the segment and the full episode here…
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