New York Islanders Free Agent Target Matt Duchene Hints At Leaving Columbus

The New York Islanders may be interested in free agent Matt Duchene, and it appears that he is may have one foot out the door in Columbus.

Both the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets took second-round exits. That means both franchises are looking towards next year, which includes the draft and free agency in just a few short weeks.

One of the biggest free agent pieces potentially hitting the market is Matt Duchene. Duchene was traded from Ottawa to Columbus this past year. He could re-sign in Columbus and get the extra eighth year, but according to his Instagram that might be a reach at this point.

Duchene posted and then deleted, an Instagram post essentially saying goodbye to Columbus. The captions read:

"“To Columbus and the #5thLine …. Thank you for giving myself and my family such a warm welcome and for giving my teammates and I memories we’ll never forget. You guys are incredible.”"

While he never actually says that he is leaving, it’s super sketchy that it went up and then was taken down. It’s almost like he realized that posting that picture hurts contract negotiations. Reading the tea leaves, it seems like a return to Columbus would be unlikely.

If in fact, Duchene hits the market and doesn’t return to Columbus, the Islanders need to be all over this. He would be an immediate impact and improvement to the Islanders top-six, something they desperately need.

At nearly a point per game pace last season, 70 points in 73 games, it’s hard to imagine a better second line center option.

We’re now at deleted social media posts season, and I’m here for it.

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