absolutely not, get a dumpster fire of a Dman and less offensive C who cant play Wing (and wont be forcing Jost or Compher to the Wing) just to gain 2 draft picks. This does nothing for the Avs

they get a younger player who put up very similar points whos got more years left under contract. you get a good top 6 dman at 3M (which is not great but you shed the barrie contract). you get a first and a second.


as for "cant play the wing" thats not a selling point

the downgrade from barrie to russell does not make up for the wash in Nuge for Duchene (who is arguable more versatile of a player with playing multiple position and being strong at the face off dot) Nuge doesnt fit with the team behind MacKinnon, Jost, and Compher who is their 3C. So Nuge to be the 3C? to get worse on D and a couple draft picks.

this makes the Avs worse today and worse long term bc there is no guaranteed on the value of late picks for a playoff team like the Oilers.

I think its a fair trade. Duchenes value has dropped significantly. You can clearly tell Duchene is not happy. Sakic has managed this situation horribly and at this point won't be able to get much for him.

anyone who can play centre can play the wing its the easiest transition in hockey, ik ive done it for 12 years. you downgrade your #3 dman to a cheaper #5 and get a first and a 2nd u must be thick...