Matt Duchene’s first year in the NHL came the season after Joe Sakic’s retirement from the league. For the Colorado Avalanche, this was a time of transition, and Matt Duchene was its new face.
Eight seasons later, Duchene is still in the fold, while the franchise is still looking for its identity. In those eight seasons, Duchene has played in only eight playoff games, and has never scored in the playoffs.
This doesn’t seem right for Duchene, who seemed perfect for the franchise when he was picked 3rd overall in the 2009 draft. Not only was he a future star, but grew up idolizing the Colorado Avalanche.