DUCHENE ‘GOING ABOUT HIS BUSINESS’ AMID TRADE TALK
As the hockey world continues to sit on each new word about Matt Duchene’s future, Duchene continues to try to at least act like nothing is different.
That’s impossible given the endless speculation he could have already played his final game for the Ottawa Senators, but Duchene certainly sounded genuine late Wednesday afternoon, insisting he doesn’t know what’s next.
“I know it’s out there, but until I hear otherwise I’m going about my business,” Duchene said following the Senators’ practice at the Prudential Center in preparation for Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
Duchene and fellow pending unrestricted free agents Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel are in the middle of endless speculation ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. All three were on the ice for Wednesday’s practice, still members of the Senators.
There is increasing speculation Duchene will not sign an extension with the Senators, meaning it’s only a matter of time before the team pulls the trigger on a deal sending him to a playoff contender.
That raises the question of why the Senators would risk playing Duchene — or even have him practise — if his days with the Senators are over.
“I’m waiting to hear from (Senators coach Guy Boucher),” Duchene said on the possibility of being a healthy scratch against the Devils. “I haven’t heard anything yet, so I’m preparing as if I’m playing.”
Close observers of practice noticed Duchene was on a line with fourth-line winger Rudolfs Balcers and reserve defenceman Cody Goloubef, but Boucher cautioned not to read too much into that formation.
With Bobby Ryan skipping the workout due to sickness, Boucher says there were no set lines.
“Until I’m told otherwise, we’re going along as we’ve been going along,” Boucher said when asked about Duchene’s status for Friday’s game. “I’m keeping everything the way it is until I’m told otherwise.”
While Duchene has generally been available and open for the past several weeks, he acknowledges there is a stress resulting from the constant attention.
Every appearance on the ice, including Wednesday’s practice, could be the final time he skates with the Senators.
“I would love to play (Thursday),” he said. “As far as what I’m hearing, it’s status quo. The same things are going on. There is no news, guys, honestly. It may seem like that, but that’s the way it is. We’ll see (Thursday) night.”
Duchene also allowed that he could remain in limbo through the weekend, all the way to Monday’s deadline. The Senators are scheduled to fly home to Ottawa immediately following Thursday’s game, preparing for Friday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Canadian Tire Centre.
“Absolutely,” he said. “That’s one thing I’m preparing for.”
When pressed about whether he could still sign with the Senators, Duchene was less of an open book.
“I’m keeping everything inside,” he said. “I’ve said all along that I’ve enjoyed playing here and I love the boys, and I’ve said how tough this decision is, especially mid-season.”
As the questions kept coming, it became increasingly clear Duchene hasn’t been given a timetable on when the big decision will be made. The speculation is, however, wearing on him.
“As stuff starts to happen like this, like just having to do this (interviews), this is the hardest part of it,” he said. “There are a lot of questions you guys have that I don’t have answers for, and I have to try and almost make them up on the spot here. That’s honestly where it’s at. That has been the hardest part.”
If Duchene sits Thursday, he will understand why. At the same time, it’s not something he would choose.
“It would be hard,” he said. “If it happens, there would be a good reason and merit for it, but I would like to be with the guys to the end, regardless of my decision. It would be hard. It would suck to watch the game, I guess. But again, I haven’t heard anything.”
Despite the endless attention on Duchene, Stone and Dzingel, Boucher says the trade deadline has not changed his approach.
“As a coach, I have not felt any trade deadline vibe or whatever,” Boucher said. “I know it’s out there, but it’s not inside. The guys whose names are involved, they are extremely professional, so we don’t see any guys lose their focus, don’t see guys letting up. We don’t have any of that.”