The Nashville Predators are buying out star center Matt Duchene after placing him on unconditional waivers Friday.

Duchene, 32, had three years left on the seven-year, $56 million contract he signed with the Predators in July 2019. It carried an average annual value of $8 million against the salary cap. Duchene was due $20 million in actual salary over the next three seasons.

His contract didn't carry any no-movement protection. He is now an unrestricted free agent.