New York Islanders devastated by Duclair injury update

New York Islanders top-line forward Anthony Duclair will be out long-term, Islanders’ GM Lou Lamoriello told the media on Monday. Duclair left the game on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens with an evident leg injury.

Lamoriello discussed the injury during a media availability on Monday, stressing the fact that not much is known beyond Duclair set to miss considerable time.

Duclair signed a four-year deal during the offseason to bolster the Isles’ offense which lacked a true top-line winger last season to round out the top unit with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal.

Contrary to prior injury situations, Lamoriello was upfront about Duclair’s situation, stating that it the club would know more about Duclair’s status within the next 24 hours. While Lamoriello highlighted that the injury does not appear to be season-ending or anything of the sort, more tests are needed to determine the extent of the situation.

Lamoriello capped off his comments by stating that “it’s a part of hockey,” allowing someone else to come in and have a chance to get into the lineup. The club is taking the update in stride as injuries are a part of life.

Duclair has registered two goals and one assist in five games this season. Thus far, Duclair has passed the eye test for the Isles, showing instant chemistry with Horvat and Barzal.

Duclair injury triggers roster moves for the New York Islanders

 With Duclair seemingly headed for LTIR, the New York Islanders are now forced to make a number of roster moves to accommodate the injury.

The first move consisted in placing winger Julien Gauthier on waivers. The move corresponded with the intention of sending him down to Bridgeport. Gauthier drew into the lineup on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens but only played seven-plus minutes.

Now, the biggest question is: Who could replace Duclair?

The answer is rather evident as Simon Holmstrom finished the Montreal game on the top line. Isles coach Patrick Roy underscored that situation, essentially confirming Holmstrom will get dibs on that open spot during Monday’s press conference.

If and when Duclair officially lands on LTIR, the Isles will have cap space to bring up one or two players from Bridgeport. Fans should keep an eye on Hudson Fasching, Liam Foudy, and Fredrik Karlstrom as potential candidates to join the main club.

But there’s one intriguing name that might get a second bite at the apple: Pierre Engvall. Engvall, and his $3 million cap hit, could come back to the main club if Duclair lands on LTIR.

If that’s the case, Engvall could return to the third line, occupying the spot that Holmstrom has held thus far this season.

Now, I don’t think it’s likely Engvall gets called up, but with cap space suddenly available, Roy may want to get both Fasching and Engvall back up to the main club. From there, the team will have time to assess where they want to go.

Stay tuned because there should be plenty of news leading up to Tuesday’s night game against the Detroit Red Wings.