from Mike Chambers of All Things Avs,

I think Duchene — who has scored five goals in his last six games and is tied with Jarome Iginla for a team-high seven — is one of the last players Colorado would trade right now. Did he have a disappointing first 10 games? Absolutely. Did Sakic talk to the Senators about a possible trade during that time? Perhaps. As I have often said, the Avs go as Duchene goes. He’s the spark plug. He’s a key piece to the offense … and the Avs love his character and commitment. He’s accountable. And make no mistake, Sakic and his staff truly appreciate the team player.

Following his entry-level contract, he accepted his modest two-year bridge deal with pride and earned his five-year, $30 million deal through 2018-19. Nobody is harder on Duchene than Duchene. Sakic sees it. And lately, Duchene has been his star player. I absolutely think Duchene — who is 24 and at the prime of his career — will continue to grow with the handful of young stars around him in Colorado.

Where did the rumor come from?

Former Denver Post hockey writer Adrian Dater wrote this piece the other day while talking to Sakic in Boston. Adrian is from the New England area and visiting family and friends.

Apparently, Adrian’s story led to this story from TSN’s Darren Dreger, as a follow-up to his “Insider Trading” segment with Bob McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun. Dreger, McKenzie and LeBrun don’t often miss, if ever, but I have a strong feeling that if there was a genuine conversation between the Avs and Sens about Duchene, it was last month when 9 couldn’t find the net and the team was in turmoil. Right now I believe the Avs have renewed faith in their original plan to build the team around Duchene.

a bit more

The Flyers could use a player like Duchene but...

from Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer,