In 2017, the Ottawa Senators made a bold trade when they traded for Matt Duchene from the Colorado Avalanche. Duchene had requested a trade from Colorado and was ready to have his career take off in Canada's capital. Unfortunately, Duchene's tenure in Ottawa ended rough.
The trade backfired on the Senators and before the 2019 trade deadline, the Senators traded Duchene to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Duchene didn't return to the Senators in 2019 and signed with the Nashville Predators.
Today, Duchene is a member of the Dallas Stars. Since joining Dallas prior to the 2023-24 season, Duchene recorded back-to-back solid regular seasons for the Stars, but today is struggling big at a pivotal time.
Duchene struggling for Stars in 2025 playoffs
The Stars are leading their series 2-1 against the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Duchene has yet to live up from his regular season play in the playoffs.
At the moment, Duchene has four points in the 2025 playoffs, but has yet to score a goal. All four of Duchene's points have been powerplay assists.
Along with his four assists, Duchene's -8 rating is the second lowest on the Stars in the playoffs. 5-on-5 has not been a strong area for Duchene in the playoffs thus far.
Duchene led the Stars with 52 assists and 82 points during the regular season. Duchene's 30 goals was also the third highest on the Stars roster, and he also finished with a +13 rating.
Inconsistency has been a concern at times for Duchene in his hockey career. In the 2025 playoffs, the ex-Senator has had it hit at a crucial time.
Game 4 of the Stars-Jets series is tonight at 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. It will offer as another chance for the ex-Senator to get hot for his team during the chase for the Stanley Cup.