Despite persistent rumors, Matt Duchene wants to be part of the Colorado Avalanche’s future.
The forward has been plagued by trade rumors this week, after it was reported head coach Patrick Roy wasn’t a fan of the Hamilton, Ontario, native.
“It’s part of hockey. I’m not thinking about it too much,” Duchene told Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. “I’m an Av today, and I want to be an Av as long as possible. At the same time, it’s a business, and I understand that part of it. That’s my standpoint. I’m just focusing on my game.”
The 24-year-old says he’s pretty sure he’ll remain with the Avs, but understands anybody can be dealt, regardless of organizational stature.
“I’m pretty confident — or hopeful, anyway — that I will continue to be an Av in the near future,” Duchene said. “But you never know. This business is very unpredictable.”
Colorado would be pretty silly to trade Duchene, given their depth up the middle has taken a considerable hit over the last year, with Paul Stastny bolting for the Blues and Ryan O’Reilly being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. Duchene is a valuable asset for the Avalanche. His talent has been on full display, as he’s put up seven goals and four assists in his last six games. On the season he’s got 14 points in 17 games.
Chambers says general manager Joe Sakic told Duchene the rumors “came out of right field.”
“We’re out to a tough start, and you’re always listening. When you’re talking, people bring up names. That’s how deals happen,” Sakic said.
It will be fascinating to see how the team proceeds with this situation. The Avalanche sit last in the Western Conference with 15 points and are a losing streak away from bottoming out. Duchene’s recent scoring streak has kept them afloat, however, as they’ve won three straight games. Would they trade their top talent? I wouldn’t put anything past the Avs management.
