Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement Friday that the team made a "fair and comprehensive contract offer" to Matt Duchene prior to trading him to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dorion added that it was determined that Duchene did not want to be a part of the Senators rebuild, leading the team to trade him for prospects Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, a 2019 first-round pick and a conditional 2020 first-round pick.  

"When we acquired Matt in November of 2017, we had hoped his addition would drive us to another deep playoff run," Dorion said in a team release. "Obviously that did not materialize; more than a year ago, we shifted our focus to a proper rebuild of the entire organization. Our desire was to have Matt be part of this and as such we approached him with a fair and comprehensive contract offer to remain a Senator for the long term.

"As soon as it was determined that he did not want to be part of our rebuild, we shifted our focus to see what assets we could acquire in exchange for Matt that would help grow our pipeline of potential. We feel that both Vitaly and Jonathan, along with the first-round pick, will help enhance the team's future and fit with our continuing effort to build a younger, faster and stronger roster."

Duchene was acquired by the Senators in November of 2017 from the Colorado Avalanche in a deal that saw Ottawa send Kyle Turris to the Nashville Predators and their 2019 first-round pick to Colorado. He scored 50 goals and posted 107 points in 118 games with the Senators, who currently sit last in the NHL.

"I want to thank the Senators organization for everything the past year and a bit," Duchene wrote on Twitter Friday. "From ownership, to management, to the coaching staff, to the equipment and medical staff, I can't thank you all enough for everything you did for me. First class all the way. 

"To my teammates... You guys are unreal. I've never seen a more cohesive group; it was truly special to be a part of it. I greatly treasure the friendships and memories we made. To the city of Ottawa and the fans... From Day 1, you made my wife and I feel so welcome. It was so amazing to play in our Nation's Capital in my home province, that's something I'll never forget. I can't think of a better place for my son Beau to have been born and I can't wait to tell him all about our time here when he's old enough.

"Thank you Ottawa! It was truly a pleasure - The Duchenes."

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk he expects the team's rebuild to take another season or two, but when his general manager believes the team has all of its foundation pieces in place, he plans for the Senators to spend close to the NHL's salary cap every year for a five-year run from 2021-25.