Report: Duchene expected to sign with Predators

Free-agent forward Matt Duchene is reportedly set to join the Nashville Predators on a contract carrying an average annual value of $8 million, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

As others have also speculated, while nothing can be signed until Monday, Matt Duchene slated to join Nashville. Contract can't be officially negotiated until Monday but sounds like $56 million over 7 years is what has been discussed.

- Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2019

The deal would make Duchene the team's highest-paid player along with center Ryan Johansen.

The 28-year-old was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last February and played a key role in helping the franchise win its first-ever playoff series, contributing 10 points in 10 playoff games.

The Predators scored the third-fewest goals among playoff teams last season and deployed the league's worst power play. The offensive upside of Duchene should help the club in those categories.

Duchene scored a career-high 31 goals and tied a career-best mark with 70 points last season between the Ottawa Senators and the Blue Jackets.

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