Matt Duchene Signs Four-Year Contract Extension with Dallas Stars
Veteran forward Matt Duchene has found a home in Dallas over the last two seasons and will be able to stay there for at least another few years.
The Stars signed Duchene to a four-year, $18 million contract extension, the team announced on Thursday. It’s the third deal the 34-year-old forward has signed with the Stars in the last three years.
Reaction from the Stars General Manager
“We are thrilled to have Matt back with our organization,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said in a written statement. “As our team’s leading scorer last season, he helped to solidify our forward group while also providing invaluable leadership off the ice and in the community. The fit with Matt and our team has been seamless from the start, and we’re looking forward to continuing to pursue our shared goal of bringing a championship to Dallas.”
Duchene’s Journey with the Stars
Duchene first arrived in Dallas in the summer of 2023 after he was bought out of his contract by the Nashville Predators. He made an immediate impact centering Dallas second line, recording 65 points in 80 games in his first season.
Duchene re-signed with the Stars last offseason on a one-year deal worth $3 million — the same as his original contract in Dallas — and it proved to be one of the best bargains in the league. Duchene averaged a point per game in the 2024-25 season, recording 30 goals and 52 assists.
Performance in the Playoffs
He struggled at times in the playoffs, scoring just one goal, adding five assists and posting a -16 plus-minus in 18 games. But he still proved to be a piece worth bringing back.
Duchene’s New Contract and Future with the Stars
Duchene expressed on locker clean out day that he not only wanted to stay in Dallas, but he wanted more stability of a long-term deal. He got his wish and got a significant raise, as his new contract carries an annual value of $4.5 million. He will also be paid $6.56 million by Nashville this year as a part of his buyout.
The Haliburton, Ontario, native has fit in seamlessly in the locker room and become a leader of the group. He was named an alternate captain this past season. His line with Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment has also been one of Dallas’ best over the last two seasons.
Pursuing the Stanley Cup
With 1,138 career games split between five teams, Duchene is still chasing the Stanley Cup but will now have another chance in Dallas to do so.
Roster Implications and Future Moves
Duchene’s return initially left some questions about how the Stars will fill the rest of their roster with limited cap space. The Stars had just $455,000 remaining at the time of the deal to sign or replace five players.
But hours after the Duchene signing, the Stars traded his linemate Marchment to the Seattle Kraken for two draft picks, effectively paying for his deal. Marchment also had a $4.5 million cap hit for next season that came off the Stars books.
The Stars now have just under $5 million remaining to sign six players, so more trades or buyouts are still expected.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Matt Duchene’s contract extension with the Dallas Stars is a significant move for the team, providing stability and leadership for the next four years. With Duchene’s experience and skill, the Stars are well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs and potentially win the Stanley Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is Matt Duchene’s contract extension with the Dallas Stars?
A: Matt Duchene’s contract extension with the Dallas Stars is for four years.
Q: How much is Matt Duchene’s annual salary under the new contract?
A: Matt Duchene’s annual salary under the new contract is $4.5 million.
Q: Will Matt Duchene be paid by the Nashville Predators in addition to his salary from the Dallas Stars?
A: Yes, Matt Duchene will be paid $6.56 million by the Nashville Predators as part of his buyout.
Q: How will the Dallas Stars fill the rest of their roster with limited cap space?
A: The Dallas Stars will likely make more trades or buyouts to fill the rest of their roster, as they have just under $5 million remaining to sign six players.
