There just so much going against the Sens, I hope he stays, but I'm not sure why he would.
This is MY pro and con list, from what I would view from Duchenes mindset. Obviously it would differ for others and likely Duchene.
Ottawa Pros
-Able to offer an 8th year
-Able to offer a letter
-Able to offer the #1C
-Great place to live
-Childhood home is 4 hours away
-Young team
-Just had a baby
Ottawa Cons
-Can't compete financially
-They are dead last in the league right now, and seem to be within a position or 2 of where they will finish the year.
-Won't be getting the young star teams that struggle like the Sens have do at the draft
-They have young prospects, no doubt. But they only have 1 star guy in Chabot, after that they have some very nice pieces that aren't uncommon among the rest of the teams in NHL.
-Possibly selling more off at the deadline
-GM stated as loudly as anyone they could for anyone to listen that they were in a rebuild, First thing I said upon arrival was I couldn't handle another rebuild.
-All the bad press and incidents since the day I arrived
-Teams future aspects uncertain
-2 other best players are set to be UFA, Sens don't seem to be in the market to keep them all
-I've only been here for a year, don't have anything set in the ground
UFA pros
-Teans always overpay for guys, I will be the top C on the market
-I get to choose where I play
-I will be on a team in a better situation
-Will be able to find a great place to live
-Lockout bonus
-Better contract structure
UFA cons
-Can only sign 7 years
-Possibility I may not have the options I want
-Potential injury after the deadline
-Team I choose decides to rebuild shortly into my contract