It wasn’t unexpected, but nevertheless 18-year-old centers Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly were thrilled when told they would remain with the Avs past the first 10 games, meaning they would not be eligible to return to major junior this season.
“Accomplishing your dream is just unbelievable,” Duchene said Tuesday. “Ryan and I were talking, saying, ‘Everything we set out to do, we’ve accomplished.’ ”
Duchene and O’Reilly could still be sent to the minors, but for now, they can settle in Denver.
Duchene, who scored his first career goal against the Red Wings last Saturday, moved in with team captain Adam Foote and his family Monday.
For Foote’s two young hockey-playing sons, Duchene is the perfect houseguest.
“Footer has two little guys, 8 and 10, and they’re a lot of fun,” he said. “We played mini-sticks all night (Monday). Had some pretty intense games. I was sweating buckets.”
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
