Rumour: Insider addresses Duchene to Canucks talk

In his latest article for The Province, Vancouver Canucks insider Jason Botchford breaks down the Matt Duchene to Vancouver trade rumour, effectively pouring cold water on the red hot rumor.

According to Botchford, the trade discussions between Canucks GM Jim Benning and Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic begin and end with top prospect Olli Juolevi. The Canucks aren’t trading Juolevi. Period. The 19-year-old blue liner was drafted 5th overall in 2016 and, despite not yet earning an NHL roster spot, looks to be on track in terms of his development. Here’s the rub: there’s no way the Avs trade Duchene to Vancouver without getting Juolevi in return. Therein lies the road block.

Straight from Botchford:

Personally, I can’t come up with a trade where the Canucks get Duchene without Juolevi.

Kind of stops things cold.

So, with Duchene seemingly out of the realm of possibility, do the Canucks turn their focus to one of Sam Reinhart or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? The two local boys could instantly transform the look of the Canucks down the middle for the next decade. Interesting times in Vancouver, for sure.