Calder Profiles: Matt Duchene
NHL Hot Stove presents it’s “Calder Profiles” series which will profile the top candidates for the 2009-2010 Calder Award.
When a player is compared to a historical great such as Steve Yzerman, one must take into consideration the pros and cons of a rookie campaign. For Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche, his rookie campaign leads him towards a Calder trophy.
Matthew Duchene was born on January 16, 1991 in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. His professional career began when he started playing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2007-08. That year, Duchene went on to score 30 goals and record 50 points in his rookie campaign.
The following season, he improved to 79 points in 57 games, then added 26 points in the post-season, helping the Battalion to the J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals.
Unfortunate for Duchene, they were defeated by the eventual Memorial Cup champions, the Windsor Spitfires.
Approaching the draft, Duchene was ranked second overall among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Only New York Islanders draft choice John Tavares was ranked higher. Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman was also considered a strong candidate with Tavares for the first overall selection.
However, it was the style of hockey that Duchene played which garnered him attention for the top pick. His well rounded, two-way style made him a “complete package” potential.
After Tavares and Hedman were picked first and second, Duchene was selected by the Avs. For Duchene, it was a dream come true. He grew up as a fan of the Avalanche and thus, Duchene quickly became a fan favourite after video footage showed him pumping his fist after Hedman was selected second overall by the Lightning.
As the third overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Duchene needed training camp to prove his value to the Avalanche.
After careful consideration, Duchene was in the opening night line up. Since then, he has been a key part to the Avs roster.
Currently, Duchene is third on the Avalanche in scoring with 49 points (23g, 26a). He is the league leader among rookies in both goals and points scored.
Other comparisons to Duchene as a player are Joe Sakic and Mike Richards. Quite the compliments from comparisons.
Playing in every situation, including a top six role; “Dutchy” has made strides in his development and is on his way to becoming the NHLs Rookie of the Year.
Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC
Excellent job and I totally agree. Duchene is the real deal & probable winner of the Calder this season. Anyone compared to an Yzerman or Sakic has to be looked at as a player to watch through the years. Another thorough Calder Profile!
Good piece! Love this kid and think the Avs finally have the youth in place to move forward. He was one of my 3 building blocks for the Avs young group of forwards when I wrote up my RtR: Colorado piece.
He is part of a team that I have a secret crush on. Haha.
Dave – to me, the mentions and comparisons are great and it’s also nice to see Richie’s name within that list because to me it’s like he has been given the same comparison.
Jose – I agree man. The kid is a force, and btw – your RtR on Colorado was fantastic.