Sakic: Duchene requested trade last Christmas

While it's been well documented that Matt Duchene has wanted out of Colorado for some time now, just how long he's been waiting to be dealt has been kept on the down-low - until now.

Following the three-way trade that sent Duchene to the Ottawa Senators and Kyle Turris to the Nashville Predators, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic explained that Duchene formally asked to be traded last year.

"Matt, last Christmas, he asked me if I could move him just for a fresh start," Sakic said, according to Stephen Whyno of The Assoicated Press. "I just told him: Be patient."

Duchene told reporters in January that he was open to a trade, stating he understood that it was part of the business and something that could potentially happen. Evidently it appears he was more than open to a trade.

In all, it took just under 11 months for Duchene to get what he truly wanted. Sakic, however, noted that Duchene is "relieved" and "excited to go to Ottawa," while reiterating the move was the best thing for the Avalanche.

Everyone can now move on.

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