It’s been cruel for fans of the Ottawa Senators to have Matt Duchene dangled in front of their faces. The buildup to the trade deadline has focused on this trade happening, or not happening.
Can't confirm anything right now except Avs-Sens have done some talking. Anyone who says different is wrong https://t.co/wVBh8kqO2I
— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 24, 2017
Adrian Dater is a well known hockey writer in Colorado and is adamant that the talks are on going. It’s no secret that the Sens probably picked up the phone and asked the operator for the Pepsi Center. The asking price has been extremely high from an Ottawa viewpoint.
I’ve written pieces on Duchene and at the time didn’t feel that he was worth what Colorado wanted. The more time i’ve had to think about it, the more I feel that Ottawa need a franchise centre.
Duchene isn’t having a groundbreaking year in terms of offense but would add that star quality. He has the potential to flourish in the right team, too long has he been stuck in a stagnant team.
Duchene vs Toews... pic.twitter.com/K8M6bzaA5N
— SenShot (@SenShot_FS) February 24, 2017
Duchene compared to Toews this season isn’t far off at all, and think of the talent and morale that Blackhawks team has had. Just look at the stats when Duchene has quality players around him, so that means Team Canada. At the World Cup, Duchene had 10 points in 10 games, five goals and five assists.
It’s safe to say that most Sens fans are extremely excited about the prospect. Well prospect could be the wrong word as they look set to lose at least one in the trade. We’ll get into that later.
.@Matt9Duchene good news! You can make it in time for tomorrow's game!!! #Sens pic.twitter.com/qJ17PS0eEb
— Pan (@PanofSCU) February 24, 2017
Asking Price
It would seem the stalling point according to Dater is Colin White. The Boston College forward seems to be preventing a deal from happening. I’ve written before about the problem with college players. Jimmy Vesey is the standout case and appears to be setting a precedent. Why go to the team who drafted you, when you can have a pick of the lot? I sincerely hope that this isn’t going to increase in the future.
Back to the asking price and it appears it was Ceci, White and a first rounder. That is far too much for a player with only two years left on his contract. However, to play devil’s advocate here, say White doesn’t sign, his value right now will never be higher. The Sens don’t want to be in a situation where they lose White and get nothing for him.
Ceci and a first rounder would be a major coup for the Sens. Which prospect they deal is a tough question, there’s no certainty with White, Brown can’t stay healthy and Chabot should not be touched.