Rumor: Star player unhappy he hasn’t been traded

Matt Duchene is by far the biggest name on the NHL’s offseason trade-bait board. It’s expected that Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic will trade the 26 year-old sniper this summer, but has so far balked at the offers he’s received. This has frustrated the player and his agent, according to Newsday reporter Arthur Staple.

In an article outlining the New York Islanders draft selections, Staple describes the ongoing trade negotiations between Sakic and Isles GM Garth Snow regarding Duchene, and reports that Duchene’s agent, Patt Brisson, is “seriously unhappy with Sakic’s foot-dragging on a deal”.

Those are strong words. But, of course Sakic has every right to hold out for a return that he feels is worthwhile. So, what might that be? According to Staple, Snow had an offer for Sakic that revolved around defender Travis Hamonic and the Isles first round pick in 2018. The deal obviously never materialized, as Hamonic was shipped to Flames on the opening day of the NHL Entry Draft. Does this mean that Snow is now out of the running for Duchene? Time will tell.