Matt Duchene confirmed to The Denver Post that he is aware that he is on the trade block.
Unlike most NHLers, Duchene is not freaked out by his name being mentioned in trade talks.
Hell, Duchene is embracing it.
“I’m open to it,… Duchene said. “When I say open to it, I know it’s part of the business, and it’s something that might happen. I’m not hiding from it. I’m not running away. I’m not banging my head. I understand it’s part of what we deal with as pro athletes.…
“The trade rumor stuff is part of the business. I understand that at this juncture of the season, the way things are going, something may happen, something may not. We’ll see.…
The 1,000 pound gorilla in the room has been Avs GM Joe Sakic piloting a tanking team. Wonder why Patrick Roy resigned last August, eh? Roy didn't want to quit on his players and accept losing.
There is news out of Russia that The father of Avs starting goalie Semyin Varlamov that the veteran keeper's season is done due to recurring injuries.
Big if true.
The Avs will continue to tank for the right to select Nolan Patrick first overall at the 2017 NHL entry draft.
Sakic's core players have let him down. Big time.
With a team high 15 goals this season, Duchene is a prime candidate to be shipped out for building blocks.
The Buffalo's Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and LA Kings are three of the teams looking to add a veteran scoring left winger/center.
Duchene has potted 20+ in five of his seven full seasons.
Duchene has averaged 26.2 goals for every 82 games played at the NHL level.
Duchene is a $6M AAV this and next season.
The Adam Larsson for Taylor Hall trade has set the comparable market for
I would trade a top six forward and a D prospect in exchange for Duchene.