Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Duchene reports, but he sure doesn't seem happy about it

September 14, 2017, 3:40 PM ET [127 Comments]
Rick Sadowski
Colorado Avalanche Blogger •Avalanche Insider • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Forward Matt Duchene reported to Avalanche training camp at the Pepsi Center on Thursday -- in body, but I don't know about spirit.

Duchene was escorted into the locker room (same procedure for the others who were available) for the media before making a quick statement and walking out.

"Guys, to start, I'm not taking any questions right now," he said. "I'm here to honor my contract. I'm here out of respect for the fans and I'm here for my teammates. I had a great summer of training and I’m in good physical condition, so thanks so much. See you in the next couple of days, OK? Thank you."

Definitely awkward.

Duchene, 26, has two seasons remaining on his contract at $6 million per.




(Not a great photo, was trying to get a picture and using my tape recorder at the same time. Didn't realize he'd leave so quickly.)

He has been mentioned prominently in trade rumors since last season, and it wasn't certain that he'd report with the rest of the veterans, though general manager Joe Sakic said he expected him to do so.

Duchene, 26, was the only player under contract who didn't take part in voluntary practices last week -- he skated in the Toronto area -- and he didn't participate in the Avalanche's annual charity golf tournament on Tuesday.

Coach Jared Bednar said he planned to talk to Duchene to see what he's thinking.

"For me, he's here," Bednar said. "I think Matt's a prideful guy. I haven't had a chance to speak with him this morning. I wouldn't go as far to say that he obviously doesn't want to be here. He's here, he's a prideful guy, a hard-working guy. He's a real good player and I expect he'll come on the ice (Friday) and give it his all, just like he has throughout his career.

"I'm certainly going to talk to him. He's here, he's part of our team, he's a big part of our team right now. Like everyone else, we need everyone pulling the rope in the same direction. I'm confident that he's going to come in and work hard, just like everybody else."


After scoring an NHL career-high 30 goals in 2015-16, Duchene had 18 goals last season -- three in the final 39 games. He had 41 points and was minus-34 in 77 games, his worst production since 2011-12 when had 14 goals and 28 points in 58 games.

The Avalanche had 22 wins and 48 points last season, fewest in the NHL, and they missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

"I can't speak for Matt's mindset," Bednar said. "I know he was dealing with some things. I spoke to him at the end of the year, and I know it was a tough finish for him. I know things weighed on his mind. I'm on his side. We're all in this together. I think that organizationally we want what's best for Matt.

"It's up to him to get his mind ready to come in here and compete for this team. I'm confident he'll do that. I'm going to talk to him, our staff's going to talk to him, the same as every other player we have here. Again, he's here and we're looking forward and excited to get the season going. He's a great player. For me as a coach, he's here and I'm ready to go. I'm sure he will be too."

Captain Gabriel Landeskog said he wasn't concerned about whether Duchene would report Thursday.

"He was here when he had to be, so it's all good and we're ready to get going," Landeskog said. "Absolutely he's one of our best players, so yeah, I'm happy he's here."

Sure seems like this will turn into a distraction, if it hasn't already.

"Last year was obviously tough on everybody," Tyson Barrie said. "He's been here a long time. I didn't see what he said previous to this, but the important thing is that he is here. Hopefully after a few days it can kind of blow over and we'll just get down to playing. (Trade rumors) come with the profession, it's part of the sport, especially when the team or yourself is underperforming.

"It's a tough situation, but he's here, and he's here for us. We need him, and as of right now he's part of the Avalanche and going forward he's going to be. It's nice to have him back. He's a heck of a player, so it's nice to have him here."

*****

Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, a restricted free agent, remains unsigned and isn't listed on the 55-player training camp roster.



Join the Discussion: » 127 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Rick Sadowski
» One-year deal for Johansson
» One more postseason disappointment
» Bednar cleared to coach tonight; MacKinnon Hart finalist
» Cale Makar a Norris Trophy finalist
» Jost: Do or die Game 5 tonight; Kadri suspension upheld