Why Duchene to the Rangers Has To Happen

The fact that the Avalanche want to part ways with Matt Duchene is blatantly clear. Last season, Colorado went 22-56-2. The Avs were well below .500 at .293, and average attendance was down by around 3000. Yes, it was their first season with Jared Bednar as head coach, but that really does not serve as justification for Colorado’s poor season.

This summer, in a massive shake-up, the Rangers traded first-line center Derek Stepan, along with back-up goaltender, Annti Raanta. In return, they received promising young defenseman Anthony DeAngelo, and the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft which the Rangers used to select Lias Andersson, a young Swedish center who put up solid numbers in juniors. Lias should play a big role for the Rangers in the future but will likely not make an immediate impact on the team.

The Rangers’ organization thinks that the moves made this summer have increased the amount of speed the Rangers have. Why not take a look at Duchene. Duchene would be a perfect fit on the Rangers. Duchene is one of the fastest and most talented centers in the NHL. Players like him are not often found on the trading block, and the Rangers should really capitalize on this opportunity. Joe Sakic, the general manager of the Avalanche has had multiple offers on Duchene, but has not accepted one. Now, the 2017-18 NHL season begins in two weeks, and Duchene does not have a home. Duchene has reluctantly reported to the Avalanche training camp, but is really pushing for a trade.

“I’m here to honor my contract. I’m here out of respect for the fans. I’m here for my teammates,” Duchene said Thursday after choosing not to speak to reporters. Duchene wants to be traded before the NHL season begins.

It is rumored that Joe Sakic declined an offer from the NY Islanders containing Defenseman Travis Hamonic along with other pieces. Now Hamonic is in Calgary and Colorado does not have a capable young defenseman. It is clear that Colorado covets Brady Skjei. In my mind, Gorton would decline any trade involving Brady Skjei.

I would be willing to send J.T. Miller, Anthony DeAngelo, and maybe a pick for Duchene. I do not feel comfortable with Zibanejad-Hayes-? (3rd line center)-Desharnais. The Rangers said that Miller would start the season at Center. I do not like this. Miller has put up his best numbers at wing. The Avalanche want a young defenseman? DeAngelo has a bright NHL future.

Duchene has a six million dollar cap hit; if the Rangers traded Miller and DeAngelo, they would have approximately six million dollars in cap space.

If the Rangers want to become a contender, they do not need a third line center, Miller can fill that void. With Duchene-Zibanejad-Hayes-Desharnais the Rangers would look great.

The Rangers play their first game October Fifth in Colorado, I hope this time, Duchene is in the Pepsi center as a visitor.