Columbus fans are worried about Duchene’s potential departure after deleted Instagram post

BarDown Staff

Matt Duchene , Getty Images

It’s that time of year, with many teams already well into their offseasons and free agency looming. Fans are worrying about which of their team’s players may stay, which may leave, and the Columbus Blue Jackets faithful were in for a bit of a surprise on social media on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram with a thank-you post for Blue Jackets fans, Matt Duchene posted — and then quickly deleted within minutes — this message, leading fans to wonder if there was anything written between the lines.

This was posted and deleted. Whoops. He gone. #cbj pic.twitter.com/IYWa2DnflL
— FireTheCannon!! (@F1RETHECANNON) May 18, 2019

I would feel better if he left it up. Didn’t close the door for staying, but now it’s hard to not think it’s ominous.
— Andrew Dickinson (@HoboAndyJoe) May 18, 2019

I can’t believe that Duchene post just happened. If he leaves I will eat crow and finally believe that Columbus has a fundamental problem attracting players. #CBJ
— Andrew Dickinson (@HoboAndyJoe) May 18, 2019

Well I feel it was nice of @Matt9Duchene to let us know before July. Thanks for the help this postseason. Success is certainly fleeting. #CBJ
— Nathan Viebranz (@N_Viebs15) May 19, 2019

Lol Duchene first twitter comment looked more like a good bye... i am going to test the market.....and deleted
— ❤🏒Josie🎾❤ (@joshie0912) May 18, 2019

I know I’m a optimistic person but this sounds like a thank you not a good bye! I think it is too early to read into things! ... but we never know! 😂 #CBJ
This is the posted he deleted. pic.twitter.com/UMtzILrSld
— Katie Trimmer (@CBJSoccerGirl) May 19, 2019

A thank-you may just be a thank-you, although you could certainly wonder why Duchene posted now instead of after finalizing his contract for next season. With that said, let's see how the whole free agency process plays out first before drawing conclusions.

Duchene was one of the Blue Jackets’ acquisitions at the trade deadline, although also regarded as a potential rental due to his upcoming free agency. Blue Jackets fans certainly want him back, and Duchene’s social media activity at least gave them quite a scare.

h/t Twitter/F1RETHECANNON