It appears as though Matt Duchene will at least make it to the negotiating period without signing a new contract with the Blue Jackets.
But, there's no reason to panic just yet. According to a new report from The Athletic's Pierre Lebrun, the Blue Jackets are still involved in the Duchene negotiations and figure to be there once he goes to the open market next week.
Columbus remains in the mix for pending UFA star C Matt Duchene. He hasnt cut the cord there. But the expectation is he will talk to teams once speaking period opens. Agent Pat Brisson is slated to take phone calls from teams Sunday/Monday then decide on potential visits
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2019
While it's been long-rumored (and somewhat expected) that Duchene would sign with the Nashville Predators in free agency, there's plenty of nuance there. The Predators have salary cap issues and need to make a move or two before they can commit $9 million-plus annually to Duchene, and there's no guarantee they'll be able to do that.
Also, Duchene loved playing in Columbus so there's a natural draw – and you can bet his Blue Jackets teammates have been in his ear since the season ended. Because it's free agency, all of the teams in contention for Duchene will be offering the same dollar figure (or close to it), but the Blue Jackets can add the eighth year where other teams cannot.
The door's still open, and we're slowly reaching the decision stage of the offseason.
