Patrick Roy has not spoken to Anthony Duclair in over three months. The Islanders coach is eager to meet with Duclair face-to-face, particularly to apologize for remarks that contributed to Duclair’s exit after a loss to Tampa Bay on April 1. Roy expressed a desire to deliver this apology in person, wishing to convey his respect and fondness for Duclair, who once played for him in juniors. “Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you say things that you later regret,” Roy mentioned during his first media appearance since the season concluded.
Looking ahead, there’s optimism surrounding Duclair’s return for training camp in September, especially after a challenging first season with the Islanders. He struggled to find his footing following a serious injury, managing only five games after his late December return. This raised questions about Roy’s criticism of his performance, which some interpreted as a lack of effort after that Tampa Bay game. The very next day, the Islanders announced that Duclair was on vacation.
When Duclair signed last summer, expectations were high for him to join forces with stars Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal. However, it’s uncertain what his role may look like in the upcoming season. “I think it’ll be an interesting training camp,” Roy commented. “There’s a lot of competition for spots.”
Roy also shared some insights regarding the team’s structure, hinting at Balzar taking a center position along with Jonathan Drouin, who could be paired with Beaubat and play alongside Max Shabanov on the power play. Yet, he acknowledged that these plans could shift as the camp progresses.
Matthew Schafer, the No. 1 draft pick, remains an intriguing case. Roy is keen to provide him with the necessary support as he transitions to the professional level. “He’s humble and has had success, which bodes well for his future,” Roy said, expressing faith in Schafer’s intelligence and maturity.
This week, during the development camp, Roy sported a new beard, which he found amusing in context of the evolving identity of the Islanders. After some initial friction with new general manager Matthew Dersch regarding their coaching styles, Roy indicated that their relationship has improved since. Dersch has made notable changes to the coaching staff, appointing Ray Bennett and Bob Bofner to focus on special teams, while keeping Benid des Rosier for overall support. “It’s been a great experience working with him,” Roy reflected. “From our very first meeting, we’ve had great conversations about hockey and the team. It feels comfortable.”
