ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reported today (video link) that the Nashville Predators have expressed interest in the Colorado Avalanche’s Matt Duchene. The Denver center stated publicly that he is open to a trade, but has not formally asked for one.
Colorado’s reported asking price for Duchene is steep. The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported that Colorado is asking for a 1st round pick, a top-four defenseman, and a top prospect. Now, just because Colorado opens with that ask doesn’t mean it won’t budge on the price if there’s a deal to be had. The Avalanche, however, are under no pressure to trade Duchene, and will only do so to kickstart a rebuild or address glaring holes. The Avalanche desperately need help on the back end, and will focus in on acquiring a above-average defender.
Using Garrioch’s report as a template, the Predators may actually have the pieces to get a deal done without hamstringing its future. Goaltending prospect Juuse Saros is stuck behind Pekka Rinne for the next two seasons, and the Predators have maintained their stellar defensive depth. It’s a big price to pay for Duchene, but the Predators have to somehow overcome the highly competitive Central Division to take the next step.
Predators GM David Poile is no stranger to big trades. In the last two years he traded Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen, and then fan favorite Shea Weber for P.K. Subban. Could a trade for Duchene complete the trifecta?
I hope Mr Sakic doesn’t under sell and sticks to his guns.
I think thee Islanders can offer Colorado a better package for Duchene. They can offer Hamonic or DeHaan plus a nice prospect in either Matt Barzal or Michael Dal Colle plus another player or pick. Of course I would only offer this much only if Colorado woild allow the Islanders to talk extension with Matt prior to any deal.
Duchene isn’t eligible to talk extension until July 2018 when he has 1 year left on his deal.
I would not be parting with either of those prospects in a trade. I honestly think a 1st and a top 4 defenseman gets it done, maybe a mid level prospect for good measure.