In the thick of rumors surrounding a team desperate for change, Matt Duchene is prepared for anything leading up to the trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche pivot has been a staple of the franchise since he was drafted third overall in 2009, but now, at 26, Duchene recognizes his club's situation and will accept whatever lies ahead - even a trade.

"I'm open to it," Duchene told Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post on Wednesday. "When I say open to it, I know it's part of the business, and it's something that might happen. I'm not hiding from it. I'm not running away. I'm not banging my head. I understand it's part of what we deal with as pro athletes."

Colorado's season has been flat-out disastrous. The Avalanche are on pace for the lowest point percentage in the post-lockout era, as head coach Jared Bednar's introduction to the NHL has resulted in a league-worst 28 points through 46 games.

"Where we're at, it's really hard. It's tough for everybody. Waking up in the morning, it's not the same excitement going to the rink," Duchene said.

The Avalanche need to make a change, and Duchene, the club's leader in goals (15), would likely provide general manager Joe Sakic a hefty return of assets to help a rebuild.

In his tenure with Colorado, Duchene has appeared in the playoffs twice, and if he's packing his bags, he hopes to land with a winner.

"I know when this team, or whatever (NHL) team I'm on, is ready to win, I know I'll be able to bring some experience to it," Duchene said. "That's something that fuels me, and it keeps me positive."

Duchene's skill set is highly enticing. His speed and playmaking have led to an average of 0.75 points per game over 536 career contests.

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