The Colorado Avalanche surprised the NHL three years ago by soaring to the top of the Central Division and winning a franchise high-tying 52 games. With a young core in place, the future seemed bright for the team.
That successful season is now an official anomaly. The Avalanche (13-30-2) have the fewest points in the NHL and rumors surround the possibility of breaking up the once-promising core.
Speculation was fueled by Matt Duchene's absence for Monday's loss to San Jose, which the team said was due to sickness.
No trade happened and Duchene, the team's leading goal scorer, is questionable for the game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.