REPORT | Former third-overall pick has been bought out: Golden opportunity for a cheap, productive centerman

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Cooper Godin
June 30, 2023 (1:55 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks may have a golden opportunity to sign a former third-overall pick for cheap after he was bought out by his team.

Friday marked the final day of the National Hockey League's first buyout period and four teams took the opportunity to get rid of some hefty contracts, including the Nashville Predators.

The Predators announced on Friday that they've placed Matt Duchene on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout, which will make him an unrestricted free agent on Saturday afternoon.

Duchene, 32, now becomes arguably the best forward available on the free agent market and will be a hot commodity, but for the Canucks, who are in need of a third-line centerman, he could be the perfect option.

Thanks to JFresh Hockey, we're able to take a look at Duchene's advanced stats and they're pretty good. His EV Offence, which 'measures a player's isolated impact on his team creating dangerous scoring chances', is set at 85% and his projected WAR is 81%.

"Matt Duchene, bought out by NSH, is a speedy top six forward who creates chances off the rush at a very strong rate. His finishing touch fluctuates pretty dramatically. That said, you could make the case that he's the best forward on the UFA market now." JFresh said.

There will be several teams that will be interested in signing Duchene, which could drive up his price, but if the Canucks want to get competitive quickly and add a third-line center who can produce, they need to jump all over this opportunity.