New York Islanders Trade Window for Matt Duchene Closed For Now

The New York Islanders have been a participant in the Colorado Avalanche soap opera that has starred Matt Duchene. Reluctantly on Duchene’s part. The Islanders window for Duchene is closed, at least for now.

Matt Duchene to the New York Islanders has been part of the rumor mill for the last two years. The Duchene speculation has been rampant since the end of last year when Joe Sakic announced he only had three untouchables in the organization with one of them being a prospect.

But still, Duchene is a member of the Colorado Avalanche.

June Trade Talks

By numerous accounts, the Isles Garth Snow was making a big push for Duchene, last June before and during the NHL Draft. It was reported that Garth offered Travis Hamonic (before he was traded to Calgary), a first-round pick, and a prospect.

New York Islanders

Sakic was not overly impressed with Garth’s offer. Given that there were plenty of clubs very high on Hamonic, if Sakic made that deal with the Isles and then flipped Hamonic to Calgary, Colorado would have netted two, first-round picks, two, second-round selections, and a prospect for Duchene. A strong haul to build around moving forward.

The fact that Sakic didn’t respond to Garth by saying add one more good piece and we have a deal signals how far apart the Isles were for meeting Sakic’s asking price.

Speculation has Sakic’s price being extremely high. He wants a package that centers around a talented young NHL defenseman that also includes a couple of major future assets as well.

Snow has to feel that Sakic at this time is on a completely different wavelength.

Looking at the Youngsters

With the season just a couple of weeks away, it appears the Isles will look at what they have from within, especially from the talented youngsters.

Will Mathew Barzal, Josh Ho-Sang, and Anthony Beauvillier provide solid contributions this season? Will Brock Nelson break through this year?

The Isles are set with two of their centers. John Tavares centers the top scoring line and Casey Cizikas does so on the checking line. Can Barzal the rookie fill the gap at center between those two lines?

Barzal is one of the top prospects in the NHL and is a very gifted player. Unless something dramatically changes on the Duchene front, it appears the Isles top prospect is going to get an opportunity.

Personally, yours truly believes the Isles are the perfect trading partner for Colorado. They are in the other conference, they have two, first-round picks in 2018 (theirs & Calgary), they are deep in young defenseman, and talented youngsters overall.

Next: Isles Must Find a Spot for Barzal

However, Sakic’s current asking price is at a monster cost. That closes the window for now for the Isles in terms of landing Duchene. If Duchene is still in Colorado by mid-season things could change.