Matt Duchene broke his silence Monday in an interview in the Avalanche’s regular locker room. The unhappy center hadn’t spoken publicly since making a 19-second statement Thursday when veterans reported for training camp at the Pepsi Center.

“I’m not going to predict the future on my longevity here,” Duchene, the team’s longest-tenured player, told The Denver Post. “I’m day by day. I’m just enjoying playing hockey. A lot got blown out of proportion. I said what I wanted to say then. Nothing’s changed since Thursday. I’m here to get better, I’m here for those reasons — that I said on Thursday.”

Bill Boyce, Associated Press file In this Sunday, April 9, 2017, file photo, St. Louis Blues' Ivan Barbashev (49), of Russia, chases Colorado Avalanche's Matt Duchene (9) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in St. Louis.

John Leyba, The Denver Post Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) scores a goal in the shootout to defeat the San Jose Sharks 4-3 Feb. 24, 2016 at Pepsi Center.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) waits for a face off against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of the Avs' 4-1 loss at the Pepsi Center on Monday, Dec. 27, 2011.



AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Matt Duchene (9) of the Colorado Avalanche and Kyle Brodziak (28) of the St. Louis Blues face off during the first period. The Colorado Avalanche hosted the St. Louis Blues at the Pepsi Center on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post Matt Duchene talks with the media on the first day of Colorado Avalanche rookie hockey practice at the Family Sports Center Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, 2009.

Karl Gehring, The Denver Post Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) juggled a puck on his stick during warmups Saturday night. The Colorado Avalanche hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night, Dec. 19, 2009 at the Pepsi Center.



John Leyba, The Denver Post Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) celebrates his goal to tie the game as Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood (30) lays on ice during the third period Dec. 27, 2010 at Pepsi Center. The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in overtime.

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post Matt Duchene (9) of the Colorado Avalanche juggles the puck with his stick during warmups at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado on Nov. 25, 2015.

On Thursday, Duchene said he reported to honor his contract, his teammates and fans. He has been on the trade block for much of the year, and he was surprised he wasn’t dealt before the March 1 trade deadline or after June 12 when the trade market reopened.

Duchene, 26, began his NHL career at age 18 in 2009, months after being selected third overall in the draft.

He is not expected to play in Colorado’s preseason opener Tuesday against the expansion Vegas Golden Knights at the Pepsi Center. Avs coach Jared Bednar said just seven veterans will play in that game — the first step in putting last season’s 48-point, last-place season behind them. Related Articles September 18, 2020 Avalanche re-signs former DU star Logan O’Connor on two-year contract

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“I love playing hockey. I want to win,” Duchene said. “That’s the biggest thing on my mind. I’m trying to get better every time I touch the ice right now.”

Asked if he has doubts the Avalanche is capable of winning, Duchene said: “Um, I mean, like I said, I’m taking it one day at a time and seeing what’s going on.”

What if he’s not traded?

“I’m not looking that far (ahead),” he said. “I’m taking one day at a time.”

Before retiring to the player’s lounge, Duchene asked to add this about his teammates: “The guys came in in awesome shape. Everybody looks as good as they could possibly look, in my opinion.”

Footnotes. Defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who agreed to a two-year contract Friday, has yet to report to the team because of immigration issues. His estimated time of arrival is uncertain, an Avs spokesman said. … Former Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard, who was selected by the Golden Knights in the expansion draft, is not expected to play Tuesday, he said in a text message. … Avs forwards Joe Colborne and Tyson Jost didn’t practice Monday, and forwards Colin Wilson and Julien Nantel and defenseman Tyson Barrie skated on their own.