The Chicago Blackhawks’ offseason plans have taken an unexpected turn, as one of their top free agent targets has slipped through their fingers. With the Dallas Stars announcing a fresh four-year extension for Matt Duchene, the Blackhawks are left to regroup and rethink their approach to building a competitive roster.

General Manager Kyle Davidson entered the summer determined to bring in proven talent and correct the missteps of previous offseasons, aiming to revitalize veterans whose careers seemed to be on the decline. While recent signings like Tyler Bertuzzi, TJ Brodie, and Nick Foligno have struggled to make an impact, Duchene stood out as a beacon of hope with his remarkable 82-point season at age 35. His veteran presence and consistent production made him an ideal fit for a team looking to turn the corner.

However, with Duchene now locked in with Dallas, Chicago must quickly pivot and seek new opportunities in a rapidly changing free agency landscape. The loss of such a coveted player underscores the challenges facing the Blackhawks as they strive to rebuild and return to prominence in the NHL.

Matt Duchene Chicago Blackhawks

Photo credit: NHL.com

The Chicago Blackhawks have one of their free agent targets stolen from them as the Dallas Stars announce the extension of Matt Duchene for four years.

GM Kyle Davidson is heading into this summer with a different mentality than others: acquire proven talent.

He’s attempting to heal past offseason mistakes of signings that didn’t pan out, such as Tyler Bertuzzi, TJ Brodie and Nick Foligno.

While all those names were reaching career lows, Davidson believed he could rejuvenate their skills with an opportunity with the Blackhawks.

Most are in the same boat as Matt Duchene, who’s 35-years old, but the veterans production compared to the others is extraordinary.

At his age, Duchene’s coming off of a 82-point season, and was linked to the Chicago Blackhawks in free agency.

It appears that the Blackhawks must move on from this free agent targets, as he won’t be hitting the market due to his extension signed moments ago with the Dallas Stars.

Matt Duchene’s extension with the Stars breakdown

Matt Duchene extension with Stars ($4.5M AAV):
Year 1, $3M signing bonus plus $3M salary
Year 2, $3M signing bonus plus $1.8M salary
Year 3, $3.6M salary
Year 4, $3.6M salary
First two years of contract has a full NMC
Final two years, 5-team (willing to go) partial NTC

-Pierre LeBrun