NHL Rumors: Matt Duchene – Predators, Blue Jackets, Islanders, and Jets
Who are the frontrunners for Ottawa Senators forward Matt Duchene?
Duchene to be scratched

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators didn’t want to sit anyone but Matt Duchene is officially out for Thursday’s game.

Renaud Lavoie: The Duchene being scratched means the chances are slim to none that he’ll be signing an extension with the Senators.

Duchene sign and trade?

Shawn Simpson: If Matt Duchene wanted to do a sign and trade it could really help the Senators return – increasing his trade value. This could bring in a team like the New York Islanders. This could be the Senators best chance to recover some assets.

Who would be interested?

Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1040 on which teams would be in Duchene who will now be moved.

“So they’ll have conversations about that, and there’s lots of interest in Duchene – obviously Nashville, Columbus, probably the Islanders, a bunch of teams will be interested. There may or may not be Winnipeg there. I think Winnipeg is probably more interested in Mark Stone.”

Shawn Simpson: It’s sounding like both the Predators and Jets could be in on Duchene, which would be a dream scenario for Dorion. He’s the top center available.

Who are the frontrunners?

Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on the frontrunners for Matt Duchene.

“But of the teams I am aware of, I believe that Nashville and Columbus are probably the favorites. I think Nashville wants him, I think he wants them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they discuss an extension as part of this. I would handicap Nashville as being the No. 1 contender. That’s what I would do.”

Friedman added that both the Predators and Duchene could have been eyeing each other for while.

“I think that he and the Predators have eyed each other for awhile now. It can kind of happen that way. I think there’s been a kind of interest in each other for quite some time.”

Adrian Dater: Hearing the Nashville Predators would move prospect Eeli Tolvanen in a Matt Duchene trade.

Adrian Dater: Hearing that the Ottawa Senators have been scouting and taking a hard look at Tolvanen. If the Senators and Nashville Predators were to come together on a deal, another organizational prospect would be on the move in a Duchene trade as well.

Dean Brown: Duchene bought an Air B&B in Nashville last November, with his friend buying one right beside it. It wasn’t bought for the purpose of moving into.