Duchene 'pretty relaxed' despite trade rumors

Matt Duchene said Tuesday he's maintaining a low stress level while rumors continue that the Colorado Avalanche are seeking to trade him.

"I think right now I'm pretty relaxed," the forward told TSN. "I know whatever's going to happen is going to happen and I don't really have control of it.
"I'm just worried about being at the top of my game and kind of getting to where I was the first half of last season before everything kind of fell apart for everybody in Colorado."

Duchene had 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 77 games for the Avalanche last season, when Colorado (22-56-4) finished last in the NHL standings. It was his fewest points in a full NHL season.
Reports said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators each made an offer to Colorado for Duchene this offseason, and that the Pittsburgh Penguins also were interested. The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, which carries a $6 million charge against the NHL salary cap, according to CapFriendly.com.
"I feel good right now, probably as good as I've ever felt at this time during the year," Duchene said. "It is what it is, (so) we'll let it happen."