Anthony Duclair Looking to Get on the Plus Side for the New York Islanders 

Just when it seemed that the New York Islanders were going to have a silent offseason, Lou Lamoriello pulled off one of the savviest, under-the-radar moves in the league. The Isles signed free agent Anthony Duclair to a four-year deal. 

The signing marked an effort to bolster the Isles’ top six. Last season, the New York Islanders lacked the sort of skill set that Duclair brings to the table. As a newcomer, Duclair will be looking to make an immediate impact on the team.  

But what can Isles’ fans expect from the team’s newest acquisition? Let’s explore the plus and minus sides of Anthony Duclair. 

Exploring the Plus and Minus Sides of Anthony Duclair 

PLUS 

Duclair was a third-round pick of the New York Rangers in 2013. He promptly made the team, though he only played in 18 games for the Rangers. Since then, Duclair has been a bit of a journeyman. But everywhere he’s gone, Duclair has brought speed, agility, and determination. 

Duclair is a typical power forward. He drives to the net, creating a strong presence around the goal, pouncing on rebounds. While he’s not the biggest forward in the league, Duclair is no pushover. He’s the type of player that opposing defenders hate to face. 

Given his speed, goal-scoring instincts and ability to handle the puck in tight, the New York Islanders project Duclair on the top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal.  

Now, there’s a thought. A top-line center like Horvat and an elite playmaker in Barzal could be the recipe for Duclair to get 40 goals. 

That’s the type of scoring the Isles have lacked over the last couple of seasons. Then, there’s the possibility of playing Duclair with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. That line would boast speed and puck-handling skills.  

Opposing defenses would need to deploy their best defenders to handle that trio. In fact, such a line could open up opportunities for Horvat and Barzal to keep the opposition off balance. 

It’s also worth pointing out that Duclair gives coach Patrick Roy flexibility. Duclair could slot in various situations in the lineup, such as up and down the top six, first and second power play units, or facing the opposition’s best defenders.  

The key to Duclair’s value is the varied skill set he brings to the table. 

Overall, there is little doubt that Duclair is a top-six forward. It would be a shock to see him play in the Isles’ bottom six. Given Duclair’s talent and experience, he could be poised to have the best season of his career.