On Duchene’s future
Darren Dreger: As of yesterday later morning there had been no contract extension talks between Matt Duchene’s camp and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on 630 CHED and mentions what Matt Duchene’s offseason may hold.
“I think Duchene’s off-season is going to be really interesting,” asserted Friedman. “Because I think a lot of people think he wants to play in Nashville. I don’t think that Nashville was willing to do this unless they knew they could extend him. I think that’s what they really wanted.
“Quietly, I think there’s a belief in the Ottawa area that they are not out of the running for getting him back. He knows what their offer is – it’s around 8×8.”
Duchene talks contracts
Brian Hedger: Matt Duchene said that the Ottawa Senators initial contract was a good “starting point” and added that money wasn’t the issue:
“I was just trying to figure out what the potential landscape of the next eight years were going to look like – and it was just too many blanks at the time.”
Don Brennan: Duchene said that he only received on contract offer from Senators.
“I was committed from the start, of wanting to the here and be in Ottawa,” he said. “Obviously, things happen and things change. You’ve got to make the right decision for you future.”
Aaron Portzline: Matt Duchene isn’t sure what is future holds and hasn’t made any decision about signing with the Blue Jackets or not.
He’s not committed to hitting free agency.