NHL: NOV 16 Stars at Wild - Source: Getty — Matt Duchene drops truth bomb about his 'devastating' exit from Nashville Predators. (Image Source: Getty)

"I was blindsided": Matt Duchene drops truth bomb about his 'devastating' exit from Nashville Predators

Modified Dec 18, 2024 07:31 GMT

During Tuesday's interview on the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast, Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced following his unexpected exit from the Nashville Predators. Duchene was placed on unconditional waivers by the Predators last year to facilitate a buyout of the final three years of his contract, a move that took him completely by surprise.

"I just got out of the shower," Duchene said. "I was literally drying my hair off, and she came up crying and said, 'My agent texted me and what was going on.' So I, like, honestly the emotions. It felt like I've never had anyone close to me pass away. But that was, like, the feeling right away. I was just devastated.

" ... I was blindsided, like, because then, you know, 35 minutes later, I'm on waivers for buyout, and I'm like, 'What is happening?' I never thought of it as, like I said, indictment on my my playing ability. And I never kind of doubted that, but you do at the same time, right? Because you're just like, man, like, 'I just got literally paid to go away.' It killed me."

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Shortly after his buyout, Matt Duchene signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars, bringing a new chapter in his career. Duchene spent four years in Nashville, appearing in 249 games for the Predators.

How Matt Duchene has fared with the Dallas Stars

NHL: DEC 01 Jets at Stars - Source: Getty

In his first year with the Stars during the 2023-24 season, the veteran forward racked up 65 points through 25 goals and 40 assists, in 80 regular season games. This includes his playoff numbers, where he notched six points through two goals and four assists in 19 games. This season, he leads the club in scoring with 30 points (13 goals and 17 assists) in 30 games.

Matt Duchene was drafted No. 3 overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL draft. He has garnered 839 points through 354 goals and 485 assists in 1,086 career games.