Ottawa Senators: Matt Duchene proving himself at the perfect time

Matt Duchene is finally breaking out for the Ottawa Senators, and it is happening at the perfect time for the pending unrestricted free agent

Matt Duchene was always considered a prolific offensive player. His highlight reel continues to grow for the Ottawa Senators, and this goal from earlier in the year can be added to the list. However, whether it be injuries or inconsistencies, we have yet to see him reach his full potential. He had good seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, but the Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon era put an end to his time in Denver.

Has Duchene found a home in Ottawa? Being that this is a contract year, and he mentioned early in the season that he would love to stay with the Senators, this could still go either way. Duchene is finally putting up the offensive numbers pundits expected.

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In 35 games, Duchene has 16 goals and 24 assists. His highest point total ever was 70 in 71 games back in 2013-14. His highest goal production was 30 in 2015-16. At his current rate, he is set to break all those personal bests by the end of the season.

Mind you, bounce-back seasons are far from unheard of. Like most professional sports, contract years, especially between the ages of 25-30, are massive for professional athletes. It more or less dictates where you will be financially for the prime of your career.

In terms of earning potential, there is no better time to squeeze out a massive contract as you approach true veteran status. Since the NHL has one of the more rigorous salary cap structures, players have to work a lot harder, and negotiate as much as possible, for those big paydays.

Given his production, Duchene has been paid handsomely over the past five years, making $6 million per year thanks to the Avalanche. Despite the lack of progress, several reports towards the end of the calendar year, including Bob McKenzie of TSN, stated that his agent has been in talks with the Senators.

Could he do better this time around? Given the contracts around the NHL, and his current production rate, there is no telling what another team might be willing to pay. The Senators, however, could very well have different plans.

Mark Stone Ready to Talk, Could Help Duchene

The one thing the Senators have going for them is Mark Stone‘s willingness to stick it out. By far their best player over the past few seasons, Stone has publicly stated that he wants to stay in Ottawa and that contract talks should take off shortly between Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion and his agent.

Could this have an effect on Duchene’s decision? On one hand, the soon-to-be 28 year old could be too old for the youth movement in Ottawa. On the other hand, a healthy dose of happy-to-be-here veterans who can produce should only help your team develop. Stone and Duchene have developed some chemistry this season, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out once the Stone talks conclude, assuming he signs without fail.

The Senators are one of the worst teams in a highly-competitive Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division. They have not been candid about their desire to rebuild, and their impending free agent situations could play out based on their long-term plans. Nevertheless, if Duchene finds himself on a new team before the trade deadline, or chooses not to sign with the Senators, you can bet there will be bidders if his current pace continues.