In his first game against the Avalanche on Saturday night, Paul Stastny didn’t do any damage against his former team. He produced just one shot and was minus-1 in 12:43 of ice time as St. Louis’ third-line center in the Blues’ 3-2 overtime victory.
Avs first-line center Matt Duchene misses having Stastny as a teammate, mostly because he was like a linemate and a trusted confidant in how to be a premier NHL center.
“We really worked together. We were like linemates on different lines,” Duchene said. “It was an awesome dynamic.”
Stastny’s first choice this past offseason was to remain in Denver, Duchene said, but he understands why he left. Stastny is St. Louis’ highest-paid player, at $7 million annually for four years.
“He was commanding big money, being probably the top-touted free agent last summer, along with Iggy (first-year Avs forward Jarome Iginla),” Duchene said. “Obviously, there is a structure and plan (of management), and that dollar amount just didn’t work. It was disappointing to see him go.”
The Avs’ best offer was believed to be about $6 million per year.
“He probably made up his mind from his head and not his heart, because I know his heart was here,” Duchene said. “I know for a fact he wanted to be here. He wanted to stay. He’s getting older. He’s approaching his 30s, and he has to take care of himself financially.
“So if he can make $1.5 million or whatever (more) … for four years, that’s a lot of money. He’s just looking out for his financial future and his life after hockey.”
As for Stastny’s loss contributing to the Avs’ 10-13-7 start — they finished 52-22-8 last season — Duchene doesn’t see it.
“Any team is going to miss him. But I think our struggles haven’t been related to him not being here. I think it’s a lot of other things,” Duchene said. “But we’re looking to turn the corner right now. We like where we’re headed.”
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or
