Duclair will become UFA as Sens decline to extend qualifying offer

Anthony Duclair is headed to unrestricted free agency as the Ottawa Senators did not qualify him ahead of Wednesday's deadline, general manager Pierre Dorion told TSN's Brent Wallace.

Dorion said the team offered him a "substantial raise," but the parties couldn't come to an agreement. Duclair chose to represent himself in negotiations.

Duclair potted a career-high 23 goals in 66 games during the 2019-20 campaign. However, he scored just twice in his final 29 contests after a blazing-hot start earned him an All-Star nod. The 25-year-old winger immediately becomes one of the most intriguing options set to hit the open market.

The Senators have just under $40 million committed to their roster for next season and will need to spend over $20 million to reach the cap floor. They have several RFAs in need of new contracts, though, including Connor Brown, Chris Tierney, and the newly acquired Matt Murray.