(photo courtesy of Nashville Predators)

By MADISON BLEVINS (@Madison4Blevins)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NBA Free Agency frenzy is not the only big headline in sports this week.

Nashville Predators President and GM David Poile announced Monday that the team has signed forward Matt Duchene to a seven-year, $56 million contract through the 2025-26 season.

“We are excited to add his skill and experience to our top-six forwards and look forward to the next seven years of Matt and his family in Smashville. Matt’s love of country music and passion for the city of Nashville make this partnership a perfect fit,” Poile said.

A country music fan? In Nashville? Well, welcome to Music City Matt.

“I grew up with country music. My dad played in a band. I’ve grown up with it, along with hockey. To actually make this happen, it’s pretty special.” Matt Duchene said on The Wake Up Zone Tuesday.

.@Matt9Duchene: “I grew up with country music. My dad played in a band. I’ve grown up with it, along with hockey. To actually make this happen, it’s pretty special.” #Preds #Smashville

— Wake Up Zone (@WUZ1045) July 2, 2019

The two-time NHL All-Star matched his career high in points last season with 70 in 73 games spent with the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets.

This signing happens just over a week after former Nashville Predators defensemen P.K. Subban was traded to the New Jersey Devils.

.@Matt9Duchene: “It wasn’t that hard of a decision, at the end of the day. This is where we want to be. I’m really happy about it.” #Preds #Smashville

— Wake Up Zone (@WUZ1045) July 2, 2019