Anthony Duclair confirmed general manager Mathieu Darche and head coach Patrick Roy’s reports that the veteran winger would be back with the New York Islanders for a second season.
“The Islanders right now are my team. I love them,” Duclair said on the Big Ceaz podcast, his first public comments since March. “I love playing for them. I love the fans. We got a great hockey rink. It’s been a joy, and I’m looking forward to a great season. And I’m looking forward to bouncing back and hopefully getting into the playoffs.”
Duclair’s first season of a four-year deal with the Islanders was nothing short of a disaster.
He suffered a torn groin five games into the campaign and was ineffective upon his return, recording just 11 points in 44 games. This ineffectiveness drew Roy’s ire, which came to a head following a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 1.
“He was god-awful,” Roy said. “He had a bad game. That’s why I didn’t play him a lot. He is lucky to be in the lineup. Sorry if I lose it on him right now, but that’s just how I feel.”
Just days later, Duclair was granted a leave of absence for the final eight games of the season, for which a reason has never been disclosed.
The 29-year-old was brought in to serve as a top-line winger alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, though injuries ultimately did not allow that to happen. In Year 2, he is still in the mix for a top-six role, though Darche has brought in veteran Jonathan Drouin to add to the mix.
When healthy, Duclair can be a reliable goal scorer. He tallied 18 goals in 2023-24 despite being traded at the deadline from the San Jose Sharks to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 2021-22, with the Florida Panthers — his last full season — he potted 31 goals in 74 games.
