Matt Duchene did indeed show up for camp, as we all felt he would, but he is obviously not thrilled about the situation and him being in camp becomes a huge risk for an Avalanche squad already with the deck stacked against it.
Duchene said he is there for his teammates and the fans...and to honor his contract...As camp goes along he is going to be hanging out with his teammates and no doubt talking to his teammates about his frustration. There is no way that won't be happening...these guys are close and it is only natural for them to talk.
That scenario doesn't end well for the Avalanche, because even after Duchene is dealt and he will be dealt, those other players will be staying...and things will get dicey...I fully expect him to be dealt sooner than later...The Avalanche continue to talk to Montreal, Buffalo, Columbus, Nashville and Carolina...
On Carter Hart...
Watching Hart's development closely the last few years you can now see he continues to get better and better. This kid is the real deal and honestly Flyers fans can be truly excited about the future..This is finally the goalie that will end the questions in net in Philadelphia. I am a goalie myself, so I love to study goalies around the league. Always comparing a young goalie to established goalies is never fair...but really fun.
So saying again this isn't fair, but...
Concentration: Hart reminds me so much of Holtby when it comes to focus. There was an instance in the rookie game where Hart botched a bit of pass he tried to make and yet never looked nervous or out of control and he covered up for his mistake with a great save.
Intelligence and Drive: Ryan Miller. Hart is so aware of everything and like Miller his movements and focus when the puck is away from him is spot on. You can tell he has a huge hockey IQ and he is always thinking. When he was brought into the game in the second period he had 6 pucks in his glove and he dropped them on the ice to take a quick warm up...something that usually isn't allowed. After a minute of shots he grabbed all five pucks and skated them all the way back across the ice to the Flyers bench and skated back. He didn't expect his teammates to do this. That showed a lot.
Energy Level and Competitiveness: Tim Thomas. There is a jump in his step that is undeniable. Too many goalies look robotic. And like Thomas he is NOT a pure butterfly or even a pure hybrid goalie...
Former Flyers goalie he reminds me most of: Pelle Lindbergh. Pelle was my favorite of all time and there are so many similar traits in their game...right down to the Wearing your mask like a while on top of your head during breaks...and the quickness and stance...Hart holds his glove higher than Pelle did, but their leg movements and the little skate waddle are striking reminders...
Future:
Unfortunately, Hart won't be in the NHL this year, and will go back to the WHL and try to remarkably win his third straight WHL goalie of the year...next year he would be eligible for the AHL, but I wouldn't be shocked in the least if he jumps that step. This kid feels a year away..TOPS.
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017