Matt Duchene won't realize his goal of making the playoffs this season, but he still sees a future with the Ottawa Senators.

Duchene, who was acquired from Colorado earlier this season, can become an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and responded favorably to general manager Pierre Dorion saying the team would like to discuss a contract extension as early as July 1 of this year.

"Absolutely," Duchene said Saturday with regards to interest on his end, per Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch. "I’m encouraged from what I see here. Obviously, there’s a whole other business side to approach and I have no idea what that’s going to look like and feel like yet."

Whether the two sides can ultimately agree to terms is yet to be seen, but there's clearly an appetite to try and find some common ground.

"I guess we’ll see but that’s encouraging to hear that they’re interested and trying to work something out long term. I’ve really enjoyed my time here as tough as the season has been for the team. I feel I’ve been able to be more myself than I have in a long time here and it’s been encouraging for me."

Duchene got off to a slow start with the Senators, but he's recorded 40 points in 60 contests since the trade and is averaging almost a point per game since the All-Star break with 12 goals and 13 assists in his last 27 appearances.

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