In a move that cements stability for both player and franchise, the Dallas Stars have inked veteran forward Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $18 million, the team announced on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This deal, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million, will keep Duchene in Dallas through the 2028-29 NHL season, locking in one of the team’s most productive and influential players for the foreseeable future.
Duchene, 34, has been a pivotal figure for the Stars since joining the organization in the summer of 2023 after a buyout from the Nashville Predators. Over the past two seasons, he has evolved into a cornerstone of Dallas’ forward group, showcasing a blend of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership both on and off the ice. His impact was clear during the 2024-25 season, where he led the Stars in scoring with a career-high 82 points, including 30 goals and an impressive 52 assists.
General Manager Jim Nill expressed enthusiasm about the extension, highlighting Duchene’s significance to the team. “We are thrilled to have Matt back with our organization,” Nill said. “As our team’s leading scorer last season, he helped to solidify our forward group while also providing invaluable leadership off the ice and in the community. The fit with Matt and our team has been seamless from the start, and we’re looking forward to continuing to pursue our shared goal of bringing a championship to Dallas.”
Duchene’s journey with Dallas has been marked by consistent contributions and a growing role within the locker room. After signing as a free agent on July 1, 2023, Duchene immediately made his mark, centering the second line and tallying 65 points in 80 games during his first season. His performance earned him a one-year, $3 million contract extension for the 2024-25 season, which turned out to be a bargain for the Stars given his stellar output.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Duchene averaged a point per game, registering 30 goals and 52 assists, with 27 points coming on the power play and firing 152 shots on goal. His line alongside Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment has been one of the most productive in Dallas, providing the team with offensive depth and versatility. His leadership was also recognized as he served as an alternate captain, further underscoring his integral role within the team.
However, Duchene’s playoff performance in 2025 was a mixed bag. While he struggled to find the net early, going without a goal in the first two rounds, he did break through in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, the Stars fell to the Edmonton Oilers after losing four straight games, with Duchene finishing the postseason with one goal, five assists, and a minus-16 rating across 18 games. Despite these struggles, the Stars clearly value his overall contributions and long-term potential.
Off the ice, Duchene has spoken openly about his desire for stability, especially as his family grows. “I think at this point as a family, my kids are getting to the point where I’m looking for some stability,” Duchene said. “One-year deals are tough.” This extension provides that security, allowing Duchene to focus on his game and leadership without the uncertainty of short-term contracts.
From a financial standpoint, the Stars managed to secure Duchene at what many consider a below-market price for a second-line center with his production. The $4.5 million AAV will help the franchise navigate an impending salary cap crunch as the NHL salary cap is set to increase by $7.5 million for the 2025-26 season. However, Dallas faces tight cap space after this signing, with less than $500,000 projected to remain for the 2025-26 season, according to PuckPedia. This leaves the team with tough decisions ahead, especially regarding the contracts of key players like Jamie Benn, Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, and Cody Ceci.
General Manager Jim Nill and the Stars’ front office are expected to be busy in the coming weeks, balancing roster needs, potential trades, and extensions. The team is also in the midst of a head coaching search, adding another layer of intrigue to the offseason. Duchene’s extension is a significant piece in the puzzle as Dallas aims to build on its recent success, which includes three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances.
Matt Duchene’s NHL career spans 16 seasons and 1,138 games across five teams: the Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and now the Dallas Stars. Drafted third overall by Colorado in the 2009 NHL Draft, Duchene has amassed 891 career points, ranking him among the top 20 active NHL skaters. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset as Dallas continues its pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
In summary, the Dallas Stars and Matt Duchene have solidified their partnership for the long haul. Duchene gains the family stability he sought, and the Stars retain a dynamic offensive leader at a manageable cap hit. As the team navigates the challenges of the offseason, this extension sets a tone of commitment and ambition. Fans can look forward to seeing Duchene continue to drive the Stars’ offense and leadership as Dallas aims to turn its recent postseason promise into championship glory.
