Duchene: “I think the further you get [from losing Game 6 in Edmonton] the emotion of it, you know, lessons maybe a bit. Having said that, I don’t — it’s the first time I’ve gone that far in the playoffs, and I can’t believe how much harder it is to lose. At the end of that game, when it’s over, you just can’t believe it.
“We had a team that, I really think we were, us and Florida, should have met each other [in the Stanley Cup Final] for sure. I think everybody thinks that. But that’s, you know, not the way it went.
“It’s a good learning experience. And hopefully, we’re gonna be able to apply that experience next year.”
Duchene: “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, getting that far. The stress level, the lack of sleep, your brain’s going 24/7. You can’t even enjoy the wins because you’re thinking about the next game. The only time we got to kind of sit in it a little bit was after the Colorado series, but still you’re like, ‘Okay, this is great, but let’s keep going.’
“It was a hell of an experience for me. I wish I had an experience like that earlier in my career, but I’m grateful that I did get that experience and I know that it’ll really help me going forward.”
” … I think this team is closer to a Stanley Cup this year than it was last year. Just talking to the guys I asked them, I said, ‘How was last year compared to this year losing? Game sixes, conference finals?’ And guys said Vegas was better than us last year. We were the better team this year. And we were closer. And that makes it harder and a little bit easier all at the same time.”
Duchene: “It’s kind of a three-piece puzzle. And those three things, for any player, there’s the hockey, there’s the family/personal side, and then there’s the money compensation. You want to fill each of those buckets as much as possible each time you do a contract.
“Now, the importance of each of those buckets can change throughout your career, when you’re at different points. For me, there’s definitely a 1-2-3 of importance in that. … But money is definitely not the No. 1 bucket and never has been for me. And especially at this point in my career. I’ve been very blessed to have had some great contracts, and I have some good people working with that stuff. ..
“I haven’t changed a lot since I was a kid, I mean, I’m a small town guy, grew up in a house with one bathroom in it and had the happiest childhood ever. So I’m not a person that’s fulfilled by material things. But you know, you want to fill each of those buckets and Dallas, absolutely, this year filled that for me. And we will be for sure talking and trying to make something happen. So I’m looking forward to that. I’m hoping we can figure it out quickly. And, you know, I can’t say enough good things about this organization.”
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