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Duffy not being shopped by Rocket: General manager – Metro US

Duffy not being shopped by Rocket: General manager

Ask and ye shan’t receive.

At least that’s the case for QMJHL general managers calling P.E.I. Rocket general manager Serge Savard Jr. in an attempt to pry 18-year-old Lower Sackville native Ben Duffy away in a trade.

Duffy, a former fifth overall pick who was a finalist for the league’s rookie of the year award in 2008-09, is coming off a rough season that saw him regress offensively and only produce 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 68 games.

“I’m not shopping Ben Duffy at all, but they’re asking for him,” Savard said.

“That tells you the value he has.”

The five-foot-10, 190-pound former Halifax McDonald’s and Dartmouth Subways major midget star struggled with the disruption of trades and a coaching change last season, Savard said.

He also said Duffy put on a significant amount of muscle in response to scouting criticism, only to find it take away from his speed.

Savard and Rocket head coach Eric Lavigne have agreed to switch Duffy back from wing to his natural centre-ice position. They intend to give him first-line and power-play ice time.

“He’ll have all the chances in the world,” Savard said. “My coach is with me on that. We expect him to bounce back and be a big player for the Rocket.”

The first QMJHL trade period of 2010-11 opens on Friday morning in Drummondville, Que., as part of draft weekend.