Stars keep Duchene around with one year extension

*Photo from the Dallas Morning News*

   Let's run this back for another year. Center Matt Duchene and the Dallas Stars have agreed to a one year, $3 million contract extension, according to Chris Johnston of TSN. The Stars have confirmed the signing.

   After being bought out by the Nashville Predators last offseason, Duchene found his way to a division rival in the Stars, continuing to produce well despite averaging the lowest ice time per game in his career since 2011-2012. He's now back for another season as the Stars try to push for the elusive Stanley Cup.

   Duchene fared well in a top 9 role with the Stars last season. He accumulated 25 goals and 40 assists for 65 points, notching a +15 rating while averaging 16:46 of ice time per game across 80 games. He added two goals and 4 assists in 19 playoff games.

   Stars GM Jim Nill said of bringing Duchene back that "Matt was a tremendous addition to our team and played an integral role in our success last season. He fit in seamlessly, provided veteran leadership and fortified our group of forwards. We're thrilled to have him back in Dallas for another season."

   A first round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, Duchene had strong underlying numbers with the Stars despite averaging the lowest ice time in over a decade in his career. His 5 on 5 expected goals for was at 50.88 percent and his scoring chances for percentage was at 51.33 at 5 on 5 as well, according to Natural Stat Trick.

   Duchene has suited up for the Stars, Predators, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ottawa Senators in 15 NHL seasons. He has 341 assists and 468 assists to his name, averaging 18:11 of ice time per game to go with a -77 rating in 1,056 regular season games.

   In his 15 seasons, Duchene has made it to the playoffs 7 times, split between the Stars, Blue Jackets, Predators, and Avalanche. He has 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points, posting a -1 rating while averaging 17:43 of ice time per game across 51 playoff games.

   The Stars have had a busy opening to free agency, having signed Brendan Smith, Casey DeSmith, and Ilya Lyubushkin while re-signing Duchene, Sam Steel, and Nils Lundkvist.