Canadiens Decision on Matt Duchene Set as Hughes Weighs Options

Matt Duchene won’t be wearing a Habs jersey anytime soon, despite what fans might hope. The Montreal Canadiens have other plans in mind, according to insider Renaud Lavoie.

It’s a different story from 2019, when Duchene narrowed his choices down to just two teams: Nashville and Montreal. He ended up picking the Predators, using the Canadiens’ interest to land a better deal.

The timing seems perfect for another look at Duchene. The salary cap is jumping to $95.5 million, and the Habs are freeing up space as several contracts come off their books. They also need a center to play with promising rookie Ivan Demidov.

But Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ front office aren’t biting.

“Duchene is not a priority for the Habs,” Lavoie reports, even though he personally thinks the veteran center would be a great fit in Montreal.

The team’s hesitation makes sense. While Duchene’s still playing solid hockey, he’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore. The Canadiens are likely looking for someone younger who can grow with their rebuilding team.

Plus, there’s probably some lingering wariness after how things played out in 2019. Getting used as leverage once was enough for Montreal’s management.

The Habs seem determined to look elsewhere this time around, even with all the pieces seemingly falling into place for a Duchene signing.