When can we expect a resolution to the Matt Duchene Derby?
The Duchene deal was supposed to happen before the trade deadline. Then it was supposed to happen at the draft. Then it was supposed to happen in late July just like the infamous Rick Nash sweepstakes of 2012.
But it's August, and we're still waiting. Here's how the race looks right now:
LONGSHOTS
The Lightning, Maple Leafs and Ducks are rumoured to have made some level of inquiry dating back to the trade deadline. Wouldn't put my money on any of them.
IN THE MIX?
Ottawa
Looked hard at Duchene earlier in the regular season. Cody Ceci was part of the asking price, and the Sens have since backed off quite a bit. Still somewhat in the mix.
Pittsburgh
Perhaps a darkhorse, but one of the teams to have shown interest in recent weeks. Remember, nobody saw the Pens as a frontrunner for Phil Kessel either.
Carolina
Certainly have the defensive depth to satisfy Colorado's trade demands - Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin's names have surfaced. Were a frontrunner at the trade deadline.
Calgary
Have reportedly explored Duchene as recently as a few weeks ago. What do they have to offer? Sam Bennett's name has been in the rumour mill for quite a while, but is that what the Avs are after?
St. Louis
The Blues have been looking for upgrades at center ever since David Backes left town. Not the Avs top choice to send their prized asset within the Central.
Montreal
They certainly looked at Duchene in the past, but do they have the assets to get him now? Colorado wanted Mikhail Sergachev, who has since been traded to Tampa Bay for Jonathan Drouin.
RUMOURED FRONTRUNNERS
Columbus
A team that has remained at or near the front of the pack for quite a while. Ryan Murray could be part of the bundle going the other way.
Nashville
A lot of smoke emerged around the draft suggesting the Predators were pushing hard to add Duchene. The Avs asking price appears to be too rich for Nashville right now.
New York (Islanders)
Before the Isles acquired Jordan Eberle from the Oilers, it seemed as though they were the frontrunner for Duchene. That's cooled off, but there are some who think he's still very much on their watchlist.
Boston
The Bruins have emerged as a recent contender in the Duchene Derby. How interested they are is up for debate, but they're one of the teams that remains in the mix. Colorado would love to pluck Charlie McAvoy off the Bruins roster, but Brandon Carlo seems like a more realistic target.
WHEN WILL WE GET A RESOLUTION?
It's still mid-offseason and there aren't any major pressure points ahead for some time. The next big one is the start of training camp, when the awkwardness of Duchene returning to the Avs will be palpable. But that likely won't be enough on its own to force Sakic into making a trade. A team wishing to trade for Duchene would probably prefer to have him in their organization before training camp, so we'll see if anyone blinks.
There's also the fact that throughout all of this, Duchene hasn't actually demanded a trade. He's made it clear that he would be open to a change of scenery, but hasn't pouted or threatened to stay home. If it gets to that point, we could see a trade sooner than anticipated.
Follow NHL Rumour Report on Facebook for the latest rumour updates!