Matt Duchene

[Alfie11]

There's no doubt Dorion is talking to Avalanche GM Joe Sakic about Matt Duchene. Dorion has said as much ... heck, Melnyk has said as much! But there's also no doubt the Avalanche are asking for a lot. Recently, news came from a popular Avalanche blogger that talks between the Sens and Avs are picking up, and the current sticking point is Colin White.

Duchene is 26 years old and is a UFA in two years. Early in his career he found success, putting up a 67 point season, 43 point season (in 47 games), and a 70 point season. However, his play has taken a step back recently with a 59 point season, 55 point season and currently only has 36 points this season.

The Avalanche's asking price is very high, everyone knows that. It wouldn't be just Colin White for Matt Duchene. There would likely be a couple more quality pieces moving, such as a 1st round draft pick, another top prospect like Brown or Chabot, or young roster players such as Ceci or Lazar.

Do you want to see Duchene in a Sens jersey? And if so, what would be an acceptable offer?

[Alfie11]

I think Duchene is a very good player. In a better enviornment, I could see him finding his old success. However, if I'm Dorion, I'm not selling the farm for Duchene. He has the upper hand (like most teams do when trading for a star player). The Avs need to move Duchene more than the Sens need Duchene. I know the Avs will state otherwise, but they're going nowhere with him and he's only getting older and less valuable. He's also not putting up the points he used to, and that should be used as a negotiation tactic. The Sens are battling for first place as it is.

The fact that White is the sticking point gives me some hope. Melnyk said the Sens won't be giving up White or Chabot and I hope the Sens stick with that. I don't mind giving up the first. Although we don't have a lot of draft picks in this draft, it's not supposed to be very good. Hopefully we could get away with just adding some sort of B or C level prospect and one of Ceci/Lazar.

[Josh]

The sticking point to me isn't necessarily White, though I don't want to give him up, my question is where does Duchene fit? Neither him, Brassard, or Turris is a third line C..

[Alfie11]

The sticking point to me isn't necessarily White, though I don't want to give him up, my question is where does Duchene fit? Neither him, Brassard, or Turris is a third line C..

I've thought about that, too. Someone will have to be shifted to the wing, I guess.

I really don't want to give away White. His work in the WJC and for Boston College is very impressive. His defensive play was NHL ready from the draft according to many scouts, but the real question was if his offense would develop, which I think it's fair to say it has. I'm not really sure what his offensive potential is, but I pray he turns into a Bergeron/Kelsler type. That would be huge, especially with Brown coming up.

[Alfie11]

The trade gives the Sens incredible depth at C, though. It would be huge come playoff time. Turris, Smith, Brassard, Lazar, Kelly, Duchene, Pageau could all play C.

[Josh]

I don't think they should go after a centre at all. Especially if you consider the injuries to MacArthur, Ryan, Stone, and Hoffman. They are currently missing literally the entire set of top-six wingers they had to start the season.

Landeskog should be the target out of Colorado.. Lazar + Ceci + 1st?

[Alfie11]

I don't think they should go after a centre at all. Especially if you consider the injuries to MacArthur, Ryan, Stone, and Hoffman. They are currently missing literally the entire set of top-six wingers they had to start the season.

Landeskog should be the target out of Colorado.. Lazar + Ceci + 1st?

Stone will likely be back on Sunday and Hoffman at the end of the road trip next week. Bobby will be back late March or early April. MacArthur may never be back. I don't think the current situation will cause the Sens to make a move, because they're likely to make the playoffs no matter what (only needing a .500 points percentage).

We do have two top six quality centres, but are they a contending duo?

[Alfie11]

I wonder if the Sens have any interest in Vanek? He has 15 goals and 38 points this year and plays LW. Essentially, he'd be a good MacArthur replacement.

[Dean Ambrose]

I don't think you guys get either Duchene or Landeskog for the simple reason that it would cost quite a bit.

Even the Habs are apparently getting frustrated and demoralized going after Duchene because right when they think they have a deal, something seems to change; it's been described as "trying to shoot at a moving target" and the organization wonders if the Avs are even serious about trading Duchene.

[Alfie11]

I don't think you guys get either Duchene or Landeskog for the simple reason that it would cost quite a bit.

Even the Habs are apparently getting frustrated and demoralized going after Duchene because right when they think they have a deal, something seems to change; it's been described as "trying to shoot at a moving target" and the organization wonders if the Avs are even serious about trading Duchene.

Yeah, I think Duchene's price drops big time before the Avs move him.

I think they'd be stupid not to move him. Forwards primes aren't really 26-29 years old like they used to be - it seems like it's gone more to the 22-27 years old range. Not that Duchene will be a bad player in a couple of years, but the Avalanche should try to maximize their return here.

I think he'd look good in a Montreal uniform. However, the asking Price must be Sergachev +++

[Dean Ambrose]

I don't want to move Sergachev for Duchene is the thing.

[Alfie11]

I don't want to move Sergachev for Duchene is the thing.

Habs should hold on to him, but I could see MB pulling the trigger as he seems to be in a win-now mode.