Colorado Avalanche Forward Matt Duchene Needs to Keep His Value High

Colorado forward Matt Duchene is circling around in the rumor mill once again; however, this time the Avs might want him to keep his value high in order to strike a deal.

Colorado Avalanche skaters John Mitchell and Eric Gelinas have already been placed on waivers in an attempt to create cap space.

The Avs currently have just over 2.5 million in cap space, and Mitchy’s contract hits at 1.9 million, while Gelly’s hits at 1.65 million. So, essentially the Avs are trying to create around 4 million in cap space before they even consider a trade.

Which would lead you to believe that they are trying to conduct a rather huge trade.

And, if that is the case, then they are likely to trade away a huge name — a name that Avs fans would have a hard time letting go of.

Which is why a player like Matt Duchene needs to keep his value high right now.

Matt Duchene is a Controversial Forward

The “core” of the Colorado Avalanche has been a much maligned group as of late. But the fact of the matter is that the Avs are having an extremely hard time making it to the playoffs with the current group of “core” players they have.

Matt Duchene has been a part of this team the longest as a part of the “core;” as such, his name is generally brought up the most in trade discussions.

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Some people loathe the idea of a trade involving him because he bleeds Burgundy and Blue, and has since he was a little kid. Others want to see him go because change is obviously something that needs to happen, and it’s not like Duchy has been the most productive player in his career.

Plus, Nathan MacKinnon is starting to make his presence felt, so why not trade Duchene right?

Nonetheless, trading Duchene is a tough pill to swallow because he is winning face-offs at an astronomical rate. He leads the team in goals — even though he has yet to score on home ice — and he’s just one point off the team lead in points as well.

He is a very valuable player to the Avalanche. But, that’s what makes him such an enticing value to another team as well.

And, that’s also why the rumors are swirling around him right now:

The list goes on folks. Hence why it is important that he keep his value high, and why the Avalanche need to be exploring any and all options right now.

Matt Duchene Could Bring Home a Quality Player

I’m not even going to speculate what player that might end up being. So, don’t expect that. I am simply trying to relate the value Duchene has on the market right now, and what sort of value the Avs could expect in return.

The problem for the Colorado Avalanche right now is that they are lacking offensive and defensive depth. Not only do they need another top six forward in a bad way, but they also need a top two defenseman as well.

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Trading Duchene would obviously result in the loss of forward power, but it might result in defensive gain. But, that’s the nature of the beast right now, and it might be necessary. Nonetheless, if there is a trade made, the Avs need to make sure that said trade is worth it.

Losing a player like Duchene would be very difficult for the Avs to overcome, so the return better be worth it. Luckily, he has high value right now. Thus, the Avs should have a bunch of available options via trade.

Conclusion

I know! Another article about trades? Why so many?

Why not?

The Avs obviously need something to give. They have six games in a row, and only acquired one point during that stretch. They have the worst record against their own division in the entire NHL, aside from the Detroit Red Wings. And, they currently have the fewest amount of points in the NHL, bottom dwelling.

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In other words, if they haven’t hit rock bottom already this season, then I am not quite sure how to define rock bottom.

A trade seems inevitable at this point. Duchene, Tyson Barrie, and Semyon Varlamov seem to be the most likely candidates to be traded, but really anyone should be available.

What’s on the docket for the Avs?:

The Colorado Avalanche play the Boston Bruins Thursday night in the TD Garden at 5:00 pm MST. They are in desperate need of a victory and some confidence.

Hopefully they’ll be able to find a way to win against the Bruins. Hopefully they’ll be able to build some confidence. In the meantime, keep your value high Avs players because a trade should be on the way.