Duchene: 'I didn't get traded for Turris'
It's no secret that Matt Duchene and the Ottawa Senators and Kyle Turris and the Nashville Predators have gone in completely separate directions since a three-way trade shocked the hockey world a month-and-a-half ago.
Duchene, though, doesn't believe it's entirely fair to compare them on an individual basis.
"I didn't get traded for Turris," the Senators forward said defiantly, according to Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun.
For those who haven't followed the situation closely, here's the tale of the tape (stats since Nov. 5):
| Turris | Stat | Duchene |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | GP | 18 |
| 4 | G | 2 |
| 13 | A | 3 |
| 17 | P | 5 |
| 14-3-2 | Team Rec. | 5-11-2 |
While it wasn't a direct swap, the two will seemingly forever be linked, since Duchene came to Ottawa as an expected upgrade over Turris.
"I do not look at it that way, at all," said Duchene. "He's a great player, but I think we're different players, and different situations for sure. Different goals within our respective teams. It's apples and oranges, I think."
The Preds and the Sens were among the final four clubs standing a year ago, so it's hard to believe that either team wasn't aiming to win the Stanley Cup this season.
While there's still over half a season to go, the Senators have a lot of ground to make up if they hope to reach the playoffs. They currently sit 10 points out of a postseason spot.