Nashville Predators could make difficult decision with Matt Duchene

Matt Duchene was one of the prize free-agents on the market during the offseason of 2019, and he cashed in big time in Music City. The former 3rd overall draft selection in 2009 inked a massive seven-year, $56-million contract with the Nashville Predators, carrying an annual cap hit of a hefty $8 million. 

However, to say that Duchene hasn't lived up to those expectations wouldn't be inaccurate. He managed only 13 goals with 29 assists in 66 regular season games played during his first year with the Predators, and followed that up with a mere six goals and seven assists in 34 games played this most recent season. He's also scored only twice with three assists in 10 career playoff games with Nashville. 

The NHL Expansion draft is right around the corner, and the 32nd NHL team will soon be taking aboard the players that will make the first edition of the Seattle Kraken. Could Duchene be among them? According to one notable analyst, the Kraken may have the opportunity to snag him.

Per Pierre LeBrun, there is a "growing sense" that the Predators could elect to keep Duchene unprotected: 

Each team team is able to protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender from being exposed. The Draft will be held on July 21 - one week from today. 

In 827 career NHL games spent with the Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Predators, Duchene has scored 251 goals to go along with 351 assists. He's scored seven goals with 14 assists in 28 career playoff games. He's also represented Canada multiple times on the international stage, including winning a Gold in the Sochi Olympics of 2014.