The business of hockey can be frustrating for fans

When it comes down to it, at the end of the day all four professional sports leagues are a business. Every knowledgeable sports fan knows it and for players turning on TSN and still at the top of trade list day after day must be frustrating and trying on a player’s self esteem.
A recent example is Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene who makes around $6 million a season and here is a player who has high skill set, but since the beginning of this past season has been consistently been on top of the trade bait list and nothing has been done about it.
The young stud was on already a dismal Avs team that struggled to find consistency right from the first puck drop this season and how do you think this effects the star’s performance. A ton.Duchene was Colorado’s prized draft pick in 2009 and had some very productive season but this was the worst year for him and for management to hold out making a trade makes the situation worse for the player.
Avs general manager Joe Sakic should have realized earlier that Duchene needs a fresh start somewhere else where he’s not trying to carry the team on his back, while its dwindling his confidence on the ice.
For a player to be held out from being traded is selfish on management’s behalf because although the price tag was high but there was plenty of opportunity to get a deal done. If I was the manager, do you not think seeing your supposed franchise player’s play decline on a nightly basis that it would be a clear indication there needs to be a shake-up? Guess not.
A class act like Duchene or any other player for that matter would say ‘I will do whatever the team wants me to do.’ when really I am tired of this organization and need a change.
What are you waiting for Colorado. The situation is not going to get any better.
There is hope for you yet Duchene to be an impact player without having a lingering affect on a franchise that is smothering you.