New York Islanders Should Inquire About Coyotes Anthony Duclair

According to Elliotte Friedman, Arizona Coyotes Anthony Duclair could be on the move. And the New York Islanders should inquire about his obtaining his services.

The New York Islanders don’t necessarily need help up front. They possess the second most productive offensive unit in the NHL at the moment. But when an opportunity comes up to get better the Isles should take it.

Arizona’s Coyotes Anthony Duclair presents that opportunity for the Isles.

He’s a young forward who just hasn’t been able to continue his form from his junior career. Where Duclair was outstanding, in 203 games played he put up 249 points. Including 99 points in 59 games in the 2013-14 season.

He’s already been traded from the New York Rangers who drafted him in the third round of the 2013 NHL draft. And now, it seems that he’s available for relocation again.

What Does He Bring?

According to Elliotte Friedman in his regular

31 thoughts piece

, the Arizona Coyotes are willing to ship Anthony Duclair out in trade.

"7. Sounds like Arizona is working to find Anthony Duclair a fresh start. At 22, have to think someone takes a shot."

So why should the New York Islanders go after Anthony Duclair? Afterall, he’s moved once already. And he’s only 22-years-old. Why could they use him?

Beleive it or not, but Duclair is a great offensive player. He hasn’t necessarily shown it in Arizona, but to be fair no one outside of Oliver Ekman-Larsson has.

Since being acquired in a trade for Keith Yandle (amongst other items going either way), Duclair has 79 points through 185 games with the ‘Yotes. Again, I know that isn’t fantastic, but it’s Arizona.

Put Duclair on a line with Beauvillier, and hopefully Josh Ho-Sang once he’s called back up and this line could be pretty darn good. Not better than what the New York Islanders have in the top two lines, but that’s not the point.

The point of this trade is to improve the Islanders third line. Currently, that third line is asleep most of the time. That’ll happen when everything goes through Brock Nelson.

Which brings me to what the New York Islanders would have to give up in order to acquire the 22-year-old. Ideally, Brock Nelson. One for one won’t work. Nelson is worth more based on his career stats. Tossing in some draft picks, with the Coyotes giving up more makes more sense.

Next: Brock Nelson Hibernation Mode Activated

The New York Islanders need to at least inquire about what it would take to get Duclair out of Arizona. It shouldn’t cost a lot, and at 22 Duclair still has a ton of upside to his game.