Colorado Avalanche NHL Trade Rumors: Asking Price for Matt Duchene Too Steep for Senators
The Colorado Avalanche have been dangling Matt Duchene as trade bait for some time now, but with the trade deadline looming, the team still hasn't closed out a deal involving the center. As one of the best players available for trade, Duchene has a lot of suitors. There's no doubt about that. The problem is his price tag and it's scaring away potential trade partners right now.
According to Ottawa Sun beat writer Bruce Garrioch, the Ottawa Senators are still trying to pry Duchene away from the Avalanche; however, the price for the center is just too steep for them, so they backed off. Garrioch said the Senators did not want to give up a stud defenseman like Cody Ceci and that may be the deal breaker. The Avalanche reportedly wanted Ceci along with Thomas Chabot or Colin White, and another piece.
With Martin Hanzal already off the table, some teams may be desperate enough to give in to the Avalanche's demands. Some observers have even noted that his asking price may even increase in the wake of the Hanzal trade.
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Meanwhile, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said the Nashville Predators might make a move for Duchene before the trade window closes and they might have to give up a lot to acquire him.
"They have a hole down the middle. They'd like to add. David Poile in the last two years has shown no fear of making a big move. He's made two of the biggest trades in the NHL the last two years. But it's going to be a big price. You know if you're doing business with Colorado, it's going to cost you. I could see that being a draft trade as opposed to a trade now," he said during a radio segment on Sportsnet 960.
Duchene's asking price will scare away some teams, but serious buyers will continue to give him a long look with the trade deadline approaching.
