Anthony Duclair’s speed bursts have had a massive decline in his time with the NY Islanders

There’s been a lot to digest since Patrick Roy announced that Anthony Duclair will be stepping away for the team to “reflect” after Roy’s comments regarding his winger after Tuesday night’s loss.

It’s unclear if Duclair’s decision was based on Roy’s comments or if he’s still struggling after his groin injury in October which saw him miss two months of action.

Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed the matter on the 32 Thoughts podcast today, with Friedman referring to Duclair’s skating speed this season compared to his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, using NHL Edge.

Duclair’s biggest asset is his speed, which was something the Islanders were looking to add to their roster when they agreed to sign Duclair to a four-year contract.

According to NHL Edge, Duclair ranks in the 77th percentile in 22+ mph bursts this season compared to the 96th percentile last year. In 20-22 mph bursts he ranks in the bottom 50% compared to the 86th percentile last year. And finally, in bursts of 18-20 mph, he ranks in the bottom 50% this season compared to the 62nd percentile last year. 

“I don’t know if it’s a long-term thing that’s robbed him of his speed, or he’s not confident, or he’s still feeling pain, or whatever it is,” Friedman stated. “All you have to do is look at the video and look at the numbers from last year to this year and say, ‘That’s Anthony Duclair, but you know what Kyle (Bukauskas), that’s not Anthony Duclair.’”

It’s hard to argue against the numbers supporting that Duclair has not been himself after returning from injury. It’s never been a hockey player's mindset to admit they’re not healthy enough to play, but in Duclair’s case, the evidence validates that he appears to never have fully recovered.