Duchene intrigued by free-agency route after watching Tavares

Matt Duchene's tenure in Ottawa could wind up being very brief, as the 2019 unrestricted free agent confirmed to reporters Friday that he and the Senators haven't had any contract talks yet.

"There's been some big things going on that obviously take precedent over that," Duchene told TSN's Frank Seravalli, potentially referring to the ongoing Erik Karlsson saga.

On Tuesday, Duchene noted that negotiations hadn't started and said it "would be awesome" if a long-term deal worked out with the Senators. He reiterated Friday that he is open to re-signing in Ottawa, but added that he couldn't help but watch John Tavares carve his own path in free agency this summer. Tavares signed a seven-year deal worth $11 million per season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"It's the first time you have that ultimate power as a player and you have to do what's best for you," Duchene said.

Duchene was acquired by the Sens in a blockbuster three-way trade last November, in which Ottawa sent its 2019 first-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche.

His time in Ottawa got off to a rocky start, but despite the team's struggles, the 27-year-old finished the season strong with 20 goals and 23 assists in his final 44 games. Centers in their prime rarely hit the free-agent market, so he would likely fetch a pretty penny come July 1.

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