Islanders: Anthony Duclair Intriguing Depth Piece

Anthony Duclair wasn’t given a qualifying offer by the Ottawa Senators. Should the New York Islanders pursue him?

Surprisingly, Anthony Duclair was not given a qualifying offer by the Ottawa Senators. He’ll become a UFA on Friday afternoon, and is an intriguing depth option for the New York Islanders in particular.

In 66 games during the regular season, Duclair had 23 goals and 40 points to his name. Granted, he was getting 16 minutes a night instead of his 12:42 from the previous year but there is no denying that there is upside with Duclair at just 25 years old.

Let me be abundantly clear, Anthony Duclair is not a prized free agent. If he’s the only person the Isles bring in the offseason would be a failure, but if we’re talking about third-line options on the cheap, he would be a good option.

He made $1.65 million last year, with a slight raise on a short-term prove-it deal I’d be interested over bringing back a guy like Derick Brassard. 16 of Brass’ 31 points came within the first 20 games of the season.

Brassard was bad for a majority of last year, outside of a good stretch in the beginning of the year and a small sample size in the playoffs.

If I had the choice between a 33-year-old Derick Brassard who we already know what he is at the NHL level or a 25-year-old Duclair, I’m taking Duclair seven out of seven days. Again, this isn’t a high priority for Lou Lamoriello.

He has to take care of business with some RFA’s and possibly trade some pieces off for some cap space but if we get to Friday and the choice is bring back Brassard for $1.5 million, or bring back Duclair for $2 million give me Duclair.

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The Isles struggle to put the puck in the back of the net. Adding a cheap depth piece who netted 23 goals in a shortened season could be a nice find in the bargain bin for Lamoriello.