With big decisions looming, Sakic should take heed of Toronto Maple Leafs’ example

You see Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Tyson Barrie in the news a lot lately, and not because of what they’re doing on the ice. As the Avalanche inch towards the NHL Trade Deadline, the vultures are circling closer and closer in hopes of snagging one of the Avalanche’s top young talents, all of whom are signed to contract beyond this season. And with good reason.

It’s not often that rebuilding teams part with top young talents like these, but the Avalanche have hit a unique rock-bottom. Despite their win against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night and a late rally against Tampa Bay on Saturday, the Avs are still on pace for less than 50 points, the fewest of any NHL team since the…