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Leafs: 4 Reasons Matt Duchene is an Ideal Trade Target

By David Morassutti

Dec 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (9) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (9) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Avalanche 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) winds up for a shot ahead of defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) in the second period against the Calgary Flames at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Numbers Speak for Themselves

Duchene has been a steady contributor throughout his career and despite past injury concerns, he has been able to stay healthy and contribute in many areas.

One area of Duchene’s game that does not get enough attention is how good he is at face-offs. He has won a career-best 62.1 percent of his face-offs this season and while it should not be the only stat to define a player, it is tough to ignore.

Duchene’s dynamic speed fits the model of the Leafs team. Putting him with Mitch Marner would be a killer combination.

The Leafs do not need Duchene to produce more than 65-70 points because their offence is balanced. However, if he is given the opportunity to play with skilled players, he should be able to quite easily reach that.

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