One of those dumb retrospect posts with trades that arent actual trades

I think O'Reilly probably burnt his more with the management and Duchene possibly more in the dressing room but I think if Duchene had eaten a bit of humble pie and with EJ gone (who seemed the most critical of him at the time) he might have been welcomed back. Duchene could probably also keep up with the Avs play better and add more offensive threat and it would have been kind of nice to have Dutchy back for a run at the cup. Don't really understand why he gets so much grief from the 'fans' when I'd personally direct more at the likes of ROR & Stastny.

Duchene seems like a pretty likable guy, so I'm guessing things would have gone fine if he returned. I also agree that he likely would have fit better with the team on ice.

I don't think Duche would want to put himself through the return emotionally. Childhood team with legends in f.o, great start to a career here, fans loved him. Down time, rough locker room, mean comments about wanting to play playoff hockey and a trade. Fans rip him at his returns and the Avs win the cup.
That is a lot for the media to ask him about. Duche is also a little too genuine to pull a Nuch and ignore it.

This avs fan would have been pumped if duchene came back. Is he still playing center though? i know he found himself a lot on rw in nashville, we might still be in a similar situation right now.

You want to do what ifs, if COL or actually OTT as the worst team had won the draft lottery the 2C would be Jack Hughes.