4 potential landing spots for Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene's career arc is as curious as his employer's current direction.
The ever-talented Colorado Avalanche center entered the season as one of the league's premium point producers over the previous three years. His 60 goals and 167 points in 200 games slotted him 23rd among all NHLers, or - in other words - two points behind Steven Stamkos, and a point ahead of Max Pacioretty.
But it's not surprising, for whatever reason, he was baited and apparently cast into the NHL trade waters just a little over a month into his seventh season in response to his team tumbling into the depths of the Central Division basement.
Colorado needs a change. Duchene seems to need one too. And the other 29 NHL general managers should be adding Joe Sakic into their speed dials as we speak.
Here are four potential trade destinations for Duchene:
Ottawa Senators
This one's easy. It's sorta their speciality.
The Senators have - apparently - already kicked the tires on a potential trade, which is an idea that would fall in line with their already proven track record of acquiring top-six talent.
Ottawa's top two scoring forwards over the same stretch that saw Duchene collect his 167 points (oh and also win an Olympic gold medal with Canada) are Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris - two fellow top-three draft selections who were either forced themselves, or were squeezed from, their parent clubs.
New Jersey Devils
At some point, GM Ray Shero has to start stockpiling some real, game-changing talent.
New Jersey has enjoyed a dream start under new coach John Hynes, scoring 40 goals in 16 games and collecting two points in nine of them. But while the club is quickly learning and implementing a system proving to be conducive to success, you only win for so long without real talent at the highest level.
It may not be the perfect fit, as the Devils' depth at wing is a little more scarce, and with top prospect Pavel Zacha being the future at center. But with Duchene's presence, they might be able to build on their bloated 2.5 goal per game average this season. And perhaps make a push for the postseason?
Nashville Predators
There might not be a better fit, at least systematically, than Peter Laviolette's breakneck, but defensively accountable, program in Nashville.
While Duchene would be unleashed offensively, able to use his speed and creativity in the attacking sense, it wouldn't hurt to have him supported in his defensive responsibilities by perhaps the NHL's best unit - and would most certainly help shroud inefficiencies developed in six seasons with the Avalanche.
But it's as good a fit for the Predators as it is Duchene. Mike Fisher has had a bumpy start offensively on the top line with Filip Forsberg and James Neal. And in welcoming a true top center, Fisher could provide elite third-line contributions behind Mike Ribeiro and overarching balance to the lineup.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Had to be.
Similar to New Jersey and Nashville, there's some pretty effective coaching, transferring over some pretty effective skill development in Toronto - renowned instruction that could potentially help Duchene once again become a star.
There's obviously a clear need, now, for centermen in Toronto, and although Brendan Shanahan and Co. have used their last two top picks on pivots who they probably envision assuming the top two center-ice roles down the road, Duchene wouldn't represent merely a traverse to that.
William Nylander and Mitch Marner, as well as current top-line center Nazem Kadri, each have experience on the wing. And so does Duchene.
Toss in James van Riemsdyk, and that actually sounds pretty good, don't it?