In the evolving landscape of the NHL, contract buyouts have become a strategic tool for teams, despite the emotional and financial toll they can take. The Nashville Predators, like many franchises, have had their share of buyouts, expressing the challenges of player management. As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the Predators are covering salaries for several former players.
**Matt Duchene** was signed to a substantial seven-year, $56 million contract but had an inconsistent tenure with the Predators. After a productive 2021-2022 season where he scored 43 goals—a franchise record only surpassed by Filip Forsberg—the team ultimately bought him out as they entered a transitional phase. Duchene’s season results with Nashville included 84 goals and 197 points over 249 games. Currently with the Dallas Stars, he has rebounded with impressive performances, totaling 65 and 82 points in consecutive seasons. However, the Predators face the weighing burden of paying Duchene $5.5 million this season, escalating to $6.55 million next year.
Another notable buyout was **Kyle Turris**, who signed with Nashville as part of a larger trade. While he peaked at 64 points with Ottawa, his time with the Predators was less fruitful, as he struggled to consistently contribute offensively. After the buyout, Turris played only 50 more games and is now involved with the Coquitlam Express, while still receiving $2 million annually from the Predators.
**Ryan Johansen** was a pivotal player drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets and later traded to the Predators, where he had a significant impact over eight seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, following a decline in performance, the Predators traded him to the Colorado Avalanche while retaining half of his salary. Johansen has since struggled to find his footing, recently being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, leading to some financial relief for Nashville as the Flyers terminated his contract.
A well-respected figure within the organization, **Mattias Ekholm**, spent 12 years with the Predators before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers during a restructuring phase. Ekholm remains a valuable player for the Oilers in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, while Nashville’s financial commitment to him is limited to $250,000 annually, easing the burden as they look to forge a new path forward.
The reality of managing player contracts while ensuring a competitive team vision continues to be a challenging balance. While the financial strain of buyouts can be tough, they also allow teams to recalibrate and invest in future talent, potentially leading to a more robust roster down the line. Each of these former Predators has taken different paths, highlighting the unpredictability of professional sports and player development.