The free agency frenzy has come to a close, but that hasn’t stopped teams from pursuing Colorado Avalanche star center Matt Duchene.
Duchene is still under contract with the Colorado Avalanche, but given the current state of the franchise he has found himself on the trade block.
Given the need for depth players who can score, the Boston Bruins have emerged as a potential suitor for the 26-year-old center. Matt Duchene would be an awesome fit with the Bruins, but Boston would likely have to deal someone major to get him.
The Bruins aren’t the only team interested in him however, other teams such as the Predators and the Penguins have entered the Matt Duchene trade frenzy as well.
The Bruins have a solid shot at acquiring Duchene, but they’ll have to make a better offer than several other teams.
Here are the five most likely landing spots for him and what pieces each team could potential use to make the trade happen.
5. The Nashville Predators
Potential trade pieces:
Mattias Ekholm, Dante Fabbro, a first-round pick
Why it might happen:
The likelihood of Nashville acquiring Duchene has dropped since they acquired Nick Boninio in free agency, but it is still very much a possibility.
The Predators fell just short of their first ever Stanley Cup last season, and one more playmaker up front could be the difference maker.
Nashville has a deep arsenal of elite defenseman that they could afford to part ways with in order to acquire Duchene.
The question is are they willing to sacrifice their depth after already acquiring a another center during free agency? Nashville general manager David Poile isn’t known for living in his fears.
4. The Colorado Avalanche
Potential trade pieces:
N/A
Why it might happen:
While it isn’t the most exciting possibility, Duchene staying put in Colorado is still a very likely possibility.
The asking price for the 26-year-old center may be a bit too high, scaring off several GMs. The Avalanche are rebuilding right now, and if they give away their best player then they need to get something worthwhile in return.
Another scenario that is very possible, is that he starts the season with Colorado, and is then moved after the 2017-2018 season is already underway.
3. The Boston Bruins
Potential trade pieces:
Brandon Carlo, David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, a first-round pick
Why it might happen:
The Bruins next wave of talent is on the rise and a new championship window seems to have opened. While the Bruins appearing ready to start making deeper playoff runs, they aren’t without their needs. Another goal scorer is one of them
Matt Duchene’s elite skating and playmaking ability could propel the Bruins deeper into the playoffs.
The only concern about Duchene being on the Bruins roster is the position he’d play. He’s a center, but that’s not currently a position of need for the Bs.
On the offensive side of the ice, Boston is in need of a left winger. Duchene is capable of playing left wing, but that’s not his natural position.
Scheme wise the Bruins would make the Duchene work to their benefit, but questions arise as to just how Boston would acquire the Avalanche star.
The name that has constantly been circulating in the rumor mill isn Brandon Carlo, but it’s unlikely the Bruins would be willing to part with him given the current state of Boston’s defense.
Alternatively, the Bruins could deal, Krejci, but that seems unlikely. The Bruins would need to get more back from the Avalanche, but Colorado doesn’t currently hold many pieces that are worth acquiring.
The Bruins are still in the hunt, but the two sides may not be able to agree on the pieces involved.
2. The Columbus Blue Jackets
Potential trade pieces: Gabriel Carlsson, a first round draft pick
Why it might happen:
The pairing of Columbus and Duchene makes a lot of sense for two reasons.
First of all, the Blue Jackets are looking like they’re serious about being playoff contenders. Their first round beatdown by the Penguins stained what was otherwise a historic season for Columbus. Adding an elite talent such as Duchene may be enough to push them through a loaded Eastern Conference.
Secondly, there is long term possibility between the two parties. With the championship window of Columbus just now opening, Duchene may be happy staying with the Blue Jackets long term.
1. The Pittsburgh Penguins
Potential trade pieces:
Oli Maatta, Phil Kessel, Bryan Rust, a first round pick
Why it might happen:
Love them or hate them, the Penguins have the best shot at landing Duchene.
The Penguins look poised to make a run at a third straight Stanley Cup, but they need to fill the void made when Nick Bonino left in free agency. The Penguins need a third line center, and Matt Duchene could potentially be an upgrade from Nick Bonino.
Duchene would arrive at a contender and be a pivotal cog in their third line offense.
The Penguins have the power to make the deal happen as well. Pittsburgh has a solid group of prospects that they could send along with a first round pick.
If the Avalanche want someone a little further along, then the Penguins could deal Oli Maatta with a first round pick. The Penguins blue line had some struggles last year, but they already proved they have the fire power to win a cup with mediocre defense and they will be getting back Kris Letang.
Pittsburgh would have to make room for him, but they have the pieces to deal, and the scheme to accommodate him.
Where do you think Duchene will land this fall?
One Response
David Krejci has a no-movement clause & there is no-way on earth that he waives it to go to Colorado. I doubt the Avalanche would want to take Kessel back. He has never gotten along with his coach & why would Colorado want him to put him with their young players? He would not be a good mentor. I would think they would want Guentzel in the trade. Nashville isn’t trading Ekholm. If they were going to do that, they would’ve done it before the expansion draft & that way they could’ve kept James Neal. The team that has the pieces to make a deal for Duchene happen is Carolina. They have plenty of young defensemen & could build a package around one of them. Right now, I think Duchene starts the season in Colorado because of Sakic’s ridiculous asking price