Twitter reacts to Duchene's empty expression at Avs camp opener
Matt Duchene appeared just "thrilled" to attend Colorado Avalanche training camp on Thursday.
Following an offseason in which Duchene was expecting a trade away from the Avalanche - a team which finished with an NHL-low 48 points last season - he reported to Avalanche camp after a summer deal never came to fruition.
While Duchene is under contract for the next two seasons, there had been speculation he could be a no-show when camp opened. Ultimately, that was not the case, and Duchene and Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic are continuing to work toward an eventual trade.
Related - Report: Blue Jackets, Bruins discussing Duchene trade with Avalanche
Earlier Thursday, Duchene kept his comments with the media brief, telling reporters, including Adrian Dater of BSN Denver, "I'm here out of respect for the fans. I'm here for my teammates. I had a great summer of training and I'm in good physical condition. So, thanks so much and I'll see you in the next couple of days, OK?"
Duchene's expression, starkly differently from those of his teammates who also took part in the team's media day duties, was not lost on the social media crowd:
As was the question all summer, has Duchene played his last game with the Avalanche? We'll know soon enough, as Colorado kicks off the regular season Oct. 5 against the New York Rangers.