Predators' Duchen, Jets' Wheeler among players acquired before NHL free agency

The Winnipeg Jets bought out the final year of Blake Wheeler's contract, making the former captain a free agent.

Wheeler, who has been with the team since moving from Atlanta until the 2011-12 season, is the franchise's all-time leader in points (812) and he has 55 goals in 72 games during the 2022-23 campaign. 17:02 skating at night.

While Wheeler is vital to the franchise, the Jets didn't want to let go of the veteran at the age-37 cap hit of $8.25 million. The buyout will save Winnipeg $5.5 million in 2023-24, but will have to carry $2.75 million in dead money for the 2024-25 season.

Despite Wheeler's advanced age, he should find his fair share of suitors in free agency. While he doesn't bring speed or defensive value to the table, he remains one of the NHL's elite passers from the wing.

Wheeler, in the twilight of his career, will be more effective if given more power play time and lined up with a competent scorer or two. For teams that can maximize their specific skills, Wheeler could be an interesting inexpensive option.

The Winnipeg Jets are parting ways with Blake Wheeler after 12 years with Manitoba. (Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)

After this movement — also Pierre-Luc Dubois Trade – Winnipeg has now jettisoned two of its five point producers through 2022-23. The Jets are unlikely to shuffle the deck, as star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and franchise staple Mark Scheifele are likely to be traded in the coming days.

The Jets currently have $13.717 million in cap space to continue retooling their roster. The team hasn't traditionally been a prime destination for free agents, but that flexibility allows them to take bad money from other teams in exchange for futures, or acquire players who are effective but expensive for minimal return.

Matt Duchene posted other acquisitions on June 30

Wheeler wasn't the only high-profile player acquired on Friday, as Duchene, Mike Reilly and Kyler Yamamoto were added to the list.

Reilly, a defenseman buried in the AHL by the Boston Bruins through 2022-23, and Yamamoto, who was traded by the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, were considered candidates. Duchene is a little surprising.

The 32-year-old is coming off a mediocre season with 56 points in 71 games in 2021-22, but he has scored 43 goals and had 43 assists. His $8 million cap hit may not be team-friendly, but he remains a solid offensive player.

Matt Duchene, acquired by NSH, is a fast six forward who creates opportunities off the rush at a very strong rate. His final touch makes a big difference. By the way, you could say he is the best forward on the UFA market right now. pic.twitter.com/VSzD5ga99E

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2023

As a result of this acquisition, the Predators will save $5.44 million in 2023-24, but their cap space will be significantly modest the next two years ($2.44 million and $1.44 million, respectively). They will then have a $1.55 million hit on the books between 2026-27 and 2028-29.

It's a long-term pain, and given Duchene's current efficiency, it's surprising the team couldn't find a salary-saving trade for the forward. Ryan Johansen deal. Such a move would cost them $1.44 million more in 2023-24, but would save them at least $1.55 million in each of the next five seasons compared to this buyout.

After washing their hands of Duchene, the Predators have $21.716 million in cap space.

Matt Duchene posted other acquisitions on June 30

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