Report: Sakic had another Duchene blockbuster that fell through

Wow! This would have completely changed things!

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Sakic had another Duchene blockbuster that fell through
Keystone Press

According to Sportsnet analyst and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Ottawa Senators star Matt Duchene was ALMOST a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. On an appearance with the NHL Network yesterday Friedman dropped this juicy nugget from the Duchene trade saga:

“They (Columbus) definitely were in on Duchene. I think there was a point in the summer where they thought they had a deal for Duchene that obviously fell through. And I don’t know for sure that they were in on Turris, but it fits their M.O. – it fits exactly the kind of thing they were looking for, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were there.”

Interesting. And really, it makes total sense. The Blue Jackets are a strong club, but they’ve been seeking a true #1 center since trading Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators. Duchene would have fit that role perfectly. Now, with Duchene off the market and forward Cam Atkinson down with an injury, will the Jackets look to a player like John Tavares, Paul Stastny, Tyler Bozak or Jonathan Marchessault for help down the middle?

Keep a close eye on Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen, he could be VERY active at this year’s trade deadline.