DUCHENE’S FUTURE IS “DAY BY DAY”
Matt Duchene broke his silence Monday in an interview in the Avalanche’s regular locker room. The unhappy center hadn’t spoken publicly since making a 19-second statement Thursday when veterans reported for training camp at the Pepsi Center.
“I’m not going to predict the future on my longevity here,” Duchene, the team’s longest-tenured player, told The Denver Post. “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.”
On Thursday, Duchene said he reported to honor his contract, his teammates and fans. He has been on the trade block for much of the year, and he was surprised he wasn’t dealt before the March 1 trade deadline or after June 12 when the trade market reopened.
Duchene, 26, began his NHL career at age 18 in 2009, months after being selected third overall in the draft.
He is not expected to play in Colorado’s preseason opener Tuesday against the expansion Vegas Golden Knights at the Pepsi Center. Avs coach Jared Bednar said just seven veterans will play in that game — the first step in putting last season’s 48-point, last-place season behind them.
“I love playing hockey. I want to win,” Duchene said. “That’s the biggest thing on my mind. I’m trying to get better every time I touch the ice right now.”
Asked if he has doubts the Avalanche is capable of winning, Duchene said: “Um, I mean, like I said, I’m taking it one day at a time and seeing what’s going on.” What if he’s not traded?
“I’m not looking that far (ahead),” he said. “I’m taking one day at a time.”
Before retiring to the player’s lounge, Duchene asked to add this about his teammates: “The guys came in in awesome shape. Everybody looks as good as they could possibly look, in my opinion.”
Footnotes. Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who agreed to a two-year contract Friday, has yet to report to the team because of immigration issues. His estimated time of arrival is uncertain, an Avs spokesman said. … Former Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard, who was selected by the Golden Knights in the expansion draft, is not expected to play Tuesday, he said in a text message. … Avs forwards Joe Colborne and Tyson Jost didn’t practice Monday, and forwards Colin Wilson and Julien Nantel and defenseman Tyson Barrie skated on their own.