Matt Duchene talks trade rumors, AWFUL season with Colorado

It is not easy being an underperforming third overall pick, in a team so bad it was eliminated from the playoffs very early in the year. Matt Duchene opened up about his team's disastrous season in an interview with TSN's Darren Dreger.

"It's hard. I'm still trying to sort through how to feel about it. I'm somebody who's very hard on myself and when things go wrong I go stare right into the mirror." He added that he is still trying to put the elimination in perspective, which will make him and his teammates stronger in the long run.

We also heard Duchene's name countless times in trade rumors over the past months. And even though the Avalanche is eliminated, the speculation is not over:

A few experts send him to the Rangers or the Capitals, but it does not really bother Duchene. "The future is something I am excited about. Whether I'm still a member of the Avs or not, I know what I want to accomplish, I know where I need to go in terms of my game and my development."

Because the Avalanche missed the playoffs, the 26-year-old has the opportunity to participate once again in the World Championships, and for him, it is always an honor to represent his country: "Hockey Canada has been a huge, huge part of my career, and I am just so grateful to be here again this year."

Duchene played 77 games last season with the Avs, recording 18 goals and 23 assists for 41 points. It is his worst production since 2011-12, when he registered 28 points in 58 games.