Matt Duchene is setting the record straight.
The Colorado Avalanche center clarified his status with the team Monday, telling Mike Chambers of The Denver Post, "I'm not going to predict the future on my longevity here. I'm day by day. I'm just enjoying playing hockey.
"A lot got blown out of proportion. I said what I wanted to say then. Nothing's changed since Thursday. I'm here to get better, I'm here for those reasons - that I said on Thursday."
Monday's appearance was just the second time Duchene had spoken with the media since training camp opened last week.
Duchene has long been mired in trade speculation; however, an expected deal out of Denver never came to be this offseason. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins have reportedly expressed interest in the 26-year-old.
For now, Duchene is focused on the present.
"I love playing hockey," Duchene added. "I want to win. That's the biggest thing on my mind. I'm trying to get better every time I touch the ice right now."
