Heading into the summer, it seemed like a lock Matt Duchene would be traded.
So much so that TSN's Bob McKenzie, the most reputable hockey insider on the planet, suggested Duchene was as likely as anyone to be moved.
McKenzie on Duchene: "I would vote him as the player most likely to be traded this summer." #Avs
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 2, 2017
Obviously, Colorado would have to receive a substantial offer to trade Duchene but, given a potentially souring relationship and the need for big changes, it seemed like a matter of when, not if, Duchene would be moved.
With the draft a thing of the past and the off-season entering silent mode, a Duchene trade seems far less likely than it once did. Still, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman hasn't closed the possibility of a big summer trade taking place (excerpt via 30 Thoughts).
6. Everyone decided to take a deep breath and go back to their corners when Matt Duchene wasn’t traded July 1. It sounds like everyone is realizing the possibility he could start next season in Colorado. But remember this: Avalanche assistant GM Chris MacFarland was with Scott Howson in Columbus when Howson waited until July 20, 2012, to trade Rick Nash. Sometimes the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, and MacFarland could be following that blueprint. I wouldn’t be surprised if interested parties (Boston, Columbus, Nashville, Pittsburgh, maybe Calgary) try again to see if anything shakes loose.
The biggest surprise from that blurb, at least to me, was the Calgary Flames being mentioned as a *potential* landing spot.
Boston, Columbus, Nashville, and Pittsburgh have been frequently listed as interested parties but this is the first I've seen the Flames mentioned (at least this summer).
Now, Friedman didn't report serious interest or anything along those lines, but he's as dialed in as pretty much anyone so for him to mention the Flames he has to have heard at least a whisper that Duchene is, or was, on their radar.
The Flames have added a lot this off-season, but they clearly want to contend sooner than later and adding another high-end player like Duchene would certainly help their cause.
Whether the Avs want a young forward with a lot of club control to help replace Duchene (i.e. Sam Bennett). a promising defense prospect (i.e. Oliver Kylington), or a combination of the two, the Flames seemingly have the pieces to make a deal work should they wish to do so.
Chances are Duchene will be dealt elsewhere, if he's moved at all, but the possibility of the Flames running out Sean Monahan, Mikael Backlund, and Duchene as their top three centers is a fun one to consider.
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