Vancouver Canucks will not acquire Matt Duchene

Despite the never-ending rumors, the Vancouver Canucks have no reason to trade for Colorado Avalanche star Matt Duchene.

As Matt Duchene remains with the Colorado Avalanche, it is not surprising that NHL fans are sharing their trade scenarios. What is disturbing was the magnitude of the conversation coming from Vancouver Canucks fans. Particularly on Wwitter.

People, there is no offical report saying that Vancouver Canucks have legitimate interest in acquiring Duchene. Perhaps general manager Jim Benning talked to the Avalanche – as any general manager should – but without a chance in this sweepstakes. Halford & Brough from TSN 1040 first highlighted this, and continued to discuss it throughout the week.

Halford & Brough brought forth various trade scenarios sent in by fans. They were all comical. Seriously folks, how can you believe this trade is possible?

No Whispers of Interest

Of course, every NHL team could use a top centre. There is no question that Duchene would solidify the Vancouver Canucks’ depth at centre and boost the forward group. But is acquiring a top centre a pressing need for the Canucks?

No.

Also, Duchene is not a young player anymore. If the Vancouver Canucks are going to go all-in on getting an elite player, they want him to be young in order to develop with the youth.

Therefore, it is not surprising that according to Elliotte Freidmen of Sportsnet, nothing is going on between Vancouver and Colorado. “Doesn’t mean it’s not true, just means I haven’t heard much” he says. He goes on to say that the only thing he heard between the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado was years ago, and it regarded Tyson Barrie, not Duchene.

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Last summer, when rumors of sending Barrie to the Canucks loomed, Canucks fans were also talking about the possibility of a deal that included Chris Tanev for Duchene.

At the time, a blockbuster like that would have made sense for both clubs. Now, with the departure of Nikita Tryamkin, and Colorado looking for massive return, that deal is unlikely to transpire.

Actually, with Colorado’s general manager Joe Sakic‘s price, the Canucks do not have the expendable pieces that make an offer worth sending

Not Enough Value

In the pool of various ridiculous trade scenarios on twitter, the following is most laughable:
Troy Stecher/Ben Hutton, Brandon Sutter, and a second round pick for Duchene.

Right away, you can argue Stecher and Hutton are not moving as the Vancouver Canucks need young defencemen. And Sutter? Colorado does not need an overpaid forward passed his prime; so the deal is hardly enticing.

Throw together whatever scenario you want! Without Bo Horvat, Olli Juolevi, Brock Boeser, or high draft picks in the deal, Colorado is not going to recognize Vancouver as a serious trading partner. Obviously none of the above are moving out of Vancouver so the conversation is dead right?

Apparently not for Canucks fans.

Related Story: Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche edition

Last week, rumors came out that Sakic refused to send Duchene to the Columbus Blue Jackets for both Ryan Murray and Boone Jenner. Whether this report is accurate is irrelevant as Columbus unlike Vancouver, have those pieces to move.

Other notable rumblings include talks of P.K Subban – though very unlikely he was offered straight up – and other talented defensemen on the Nashville Predetors as potential trade pieces; a deal that would have included Travis Hamonic prior to moving to the Calgary Flames; and most recent an aggressive push from the Ottawa Senetors.

And even then, without including Senators top defensive prospect Thomas Chabot in the deal –which they are not willing to include – Sakic is not interest.

Still Think Vancouver Has a Shot?

Sure, the above scenarios are rumors. But, Duchene is still in Colorado! Therefore the asking price is so high that good NHL teams cannot sway Sakic.

The Canucks do not have what Colorado needs/wants: a top young defencemen. Nor do they have valuable/available players to trade. The conversation should end there.

But, if you want to keep going, ask yourself this: what do the Canucks have that is so good it’s more tempting for Colorado to deal with them instead of acquiring what they need, and some from a better team?

Next: Disappointing Preseason Cause for Concern

Still think the  Canucks have a chance? It doesn’t seem like it.