As the final horn sounded on the Dallas Stars’ playoff run, the weight of another missed opportunity settled over the team. For the third year in a row, Dallas was stopped short of the Stanley Cup Final—this time by the Edmonton Oilers. In the wake of that disappointment, questions are swirling about what comes next for a franchise stuck in repeat heartbreak.
Among those uncertainties is the future of Matt Duchene, the veteran forward who delivered consistent offensive output on a pair of bargain contracts. Now, with unrestricted free agency looming and the Stars grappling with tight cap space, Duchene’s return is anything but guaranteed.
Yet behind the polished postgame interviews and professional composure, Duchene’s desire is clear. He doesn’t want this to be goodbye—not yet.
Duchene’s message to Stars
While longtime captain Jamie Benn has publicly voiced his loyalty to the organization, Duchene—who has experienced life with other franchises—chose his words carefully but sincerely. Speaking with NHL.com’s Taylor Baird, the 34-year-old offered a candid glimpse into his mindset.
“I’d love to stay here and make it work,” Duchene shared. “I’m in a little different place maybe this year than I was last year looking at things. I believe in this group and I want to be here. I know how close we are.”
That belief stems from both performance and chemistry. Duchene hasn’t only thrived on the ice, notching 55 goals and 147 points over the past two seasons, but also forged meaningful bonds in the locker room. For him, Dallas has become more than just another stop on the hockey map.
One-year deals, long-term questions
Duchene joined the Stars in 2023 on a one-year, $3 million deal and returned under identical terms in 2024. Those short-term contracts proved to be tremendous value for Dallas, but they also left the forward and his family craving stability.
“If I end up somewhere else, it would be hard,” Duchene admitted. “I’m a relationship person. That’s who I am. I’ve made a lot of great relationships here with the guys. … I think at this point as a family, my kids are getting to the point where you’re looking for some stability, so one-year deals are tough.”
The desire for a multi-year commitment is understandable—and it could complicate negotiations. Dallas must also weigh decisions on other key veterans, including Benn, while trying to stay under the salary cap.
Market interest building ahead of free agency
Duchene’s consistent production and locker room presence will not go unnoticed around the league. Multiple teams are expected to express interest once the free agent window opens, particularly those seeking veteran leadership without a massive cap hit.
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For the Stars, the challenge is finding a way to retain a player who has delivered more than expected while managing the broader financial puzzle. For Duchene, the decision may come down to whether the team can match his desire for both competitiveness and continuity. The coming weeks will reveal whether this relationship continues or becomes a fond memory.