Rumor: Avalanche give Matt Duchene a huge slap in the face.

Whatever you think of Colorado Avalanche star forward Matt Duchene there is little doubt that the Avalanche, and more specifically general manager Joe Sakic, have done a very poor job of handling the trade rumors surrounding him.

The latest move from the Avalanche however may turn even more fans against the team however as it comes off as both petty and entirely unnecessary. While there has been no official confirmation it appears that Matt Duchene has been stripped of his leadership role on the team.

During the team photos taken today not only did Duchene look absolutely miserable, but his jersey was also missing the "A" that designates him as one of the team's alternate captains. 

While the Avalanche may have done so because they still intend to trade him, the player did show leadership by showing up to training camp on time despite the garbage he has been put through, and this just feels like a low blow to Duchene. 

Some have suggested that the jerseys may simply have not contained the lettering designating the leadership roles on the team, other players like Nathan MacKinnon could be seen wearing the "A" during team photos.