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“A lot of people are writing us off but I don’t see it that way. I think we have a lot of talent and a lot of guys that are willing to work together. and have fun doing it.”

Duchene maintained he can’t worry about getting a new contract in place because there’s a lot of work to do to get this club back to respectability after its low placing last spring.

“I haven’t even thought about it,” said Duchene, who kept his home in Colorado and spent part of the off-season getting ready for camp by working out in Vail last week.

General manager Pierre Dorion and Duchene had several talks during the off-season about where the organization is headed.

“I spoke to Pierre throughout the summer about things. He’s an awesome guy and he’s doing a good job and working hard,” Duchene said. “It’s been enjoyable to chat with him about stuff.

“I’ve got a year on my deal and I honestly don’t worry about it right now. I’ve had a good summer. I feel good and I’m ready for opening night now. I can’t wait to get going.”

That being said, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of signing with the Senators long-term if the two sides can get a contract worked out and left the door wide open to signing a new deal.

“I’d love for it to work,” Duchene said. “It’s my home province, it’s a Canadian city, three hours from home for me and it’d be awesome if things could work out for sure.”

There hasn’t been any shortage of news since last season ended and many wonder about the state of the dressing room after this newspaper reported Melinda Karlsson, the wife of the club’s captain, filed for a peace bond in Ontario court against Mike Hoffman’s fiancee Monika Caryk.