An Editorial of the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

It's great to hear a story like that of Matt Duchene. Not only does this kid look destined to be an asset in the NHL, but he's in a great position to play for the team of his dreams.

Duchene grew up watching and cheering for the Colorado Avalanche. In an interview on Tuesday, he recalls watching the entire celebration of the 2001 Stanley Cup victory dressed head to toe in Avs apparel.

"So this is unbelievable." Duchene expressed. "I have so many memories of growing up and this is part of who I am, cheering for the Avs and wearing their colors and their logo. It's hard to believe that it's going to be like this for a while."

Duchene's story should be an inspiration to many. As long as he can carry his success into an NHL career, it should have a happy ending.

"This is a player of high character, high skill and a high level of skating ability and speed and has shown a high level to compete," said Rick Pracey, Avalanche director of amateur scouting, of Duchene.

Duchene showed natural talent and passion for the game in his time with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League.

He has the aptitude and opportunity to play with the Avalanche in his first year in the NHL this season. The coaching staff believes he has NHL ability, and Duchene modestly agrees.

"I think my skill and my development are there right now and I will be able to handle this level," Duchene said Tuesday. "Hopefully, I will be able to grab a spot."

The most important thing for the staff is to be sure Duchene is ready to play, and that it is the right time for the organization. It's not certain whether or not he will be suiting up for the Avs in 2009-2010. Training camp and rookie camp exist for a reason, and it's best to make sure the young star is as ready as he can be before making his debut on the center ice.

One critical factor will come into play in deciding whether Duchene skates with the Avs this season: Joe Sakic's status as a member of the Avalanche.

It is with great remorse that I say it's time for Joe Sakic to hang up the skates. He's coming off of two seasons plagued with injury, and he's reached the ripe age of 39. If we could all watch Sakic play for another 20 years, I'm sure nobody would object. However, Avs fans may have seen the last of "Super Joe" and his "Twisted Wrister."

Greg Sherman, rookie GM for Colorado, states "Joe and I have talked. He has made an indication of his intentions. We will be addressing it in the upcoming weeks." Sherman quickly turned his attention, and excitement, to adding Duchene to the roster. 

Seems to me that Sakic is on the way out after a guaranteed Hall Of Fame career with the Avalanche. But who knows? Maybe he's just resting up on his family vacation so he can take on another 82 games?

Sakic's removal from the locker room will have a significant effect on and off the ice for his fellow Avs members. He was a dominant force on skates, and a true leader for the team. On the other hand, his departure may provide the arrival for the next star to shine for the Avalanche dynasty.

With any luck, the fresh Joe Sacco and Matt Duchene, along with Avalanche veterans Paul Stastny, Milan Hejduk, and Adam Foote, might grasp hold of the reigns and lead the Avalanche into another decade of domination in the Western Conference.

Here's looking forward to two more drinks from Lord Stanley's Cup. Cheers.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?