Avs coach rejects Peter Forsberg's views on how to handle Duchene

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Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged a suggestion from former team star Peter Forsberg that Matt Duchene should be benched and traded in light of constant speculation about the player's future, but he will run the team as he sees fit.

"I disagree with (Forsberg)," Bednar said Monday before a game against the Boston Bruins, per Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. "It's hard for someone to say that that's outside of our room, you know? These guys have been together for a long time and we're focusing on winning hockey games, and he's a big part of that."

The Avs have long been thought to be on the verge of trading Duchene on the heels of a disastrous 2016-17, but so far, so good early on in a fresh campaign.

"I think Matt's a top player for us right now, arguably our best forward last game, so I like the way we're handling the situation," Bednar said. "I like the way he's handling it. He's here to play and his line has been real good."

That's not to say Duchene will remain with the team long term, but his situation hasn't proven to be a distraction.

"So our focus is playing hockey (now) and I think that's what Matt's done a real good job of, coming in here and focusing on playing the game, being productive and being a good pro," Bednar added. "I don't have any problems with the way we've handled it this (season)."

Duchene recorded a goal and an assist in the team's season opener on Oct. 5.

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