Anthony Duclair’s Return
On Friday morning, there was some good news for the Islanders: Anthony Duclair’s upper body injury, which had sidelined him the previous day, wasn’t serious after all.
Duclair not only returned to the ice but did so right before a 4-2 loss against the Devils. It was a sharp turn from two weeks earlier when he faced significant criticism from Coach Patrick Roy, marking Duclair’s return to the lineup for the first time since the 2024-25 season.
However, moving past that chapter won’t be straightforward. Despite everyone’s desire to leave it behind, the shadows of that period linger. The doubts have been laid bare, revealing that Duclair must demonstrate he can still perform effectively for the Islanders, especially since he remains under contract.
Returning to the rink was just the first step. Duclair expressed a high level of motivation, describing it as “ultra-high.”
“A new season means a fresh start for everyone,” Duclair noted. “I’m looking forward to kicking things off positively. Last year had its challenges, but I aim to bounce back and be strong, learning from past mistakes.”
Yet, this idea of a fresh start is perhaps more aspirational than actual. In Friday’s lineup, Duclair played alongside Mathew Barzal—reminding us that last season, they were viewed as a promising duo, meant to elevate their game together around Bo Horvat.
After his return, things didn’t align as intended, with changes to the line combinations coming from preseason adjustments rather than genuine experimentation with the trio.
Coach Roy later confirmed that the Islanders continued to face challenges in five-on-five situations, but Duclair managed to score in the second half of the game. The outcome was, well, mixed.
“It’s always nice to get a goal,” Duclair admitted. “We seemed to improve as a group, but there’s still a learning curve. We’re just trying to find our rhythm again.”
Most of the training camp saw Duclair firmly placed in the lower six, skating on the left side of the third line with Jean Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmstrom.
He appeared to be skating well, though the true test of his condition remained unverified until faced with the pressures of an NHL game.
Expectations have been adjusted. Duclair had downplayed his expectations leading up to camp, explaining that his offseason had primarily centered on rehabilitation. However, he sounded optimistic on Friday, reporting that his body felt good after over a week of training.
Roy remarked, “Initially, he seemed a bit rusty, but he showed competitiveness and scored a solid goal. I believe he’s getting stronger with every game.”
Reflecting on his past with the team, Duclair recalled scoring 24 goals two seasons ago after being traded to Tampa. That Friday felt worlds apart from those days.
The Islanders viewed this game as an essential stepping stone moving forward.
“It’s been a while since I felt this way,” Duclair said. “I’m feeling good about our practices and scrimmages. Training camp is tough, and the intensity ramps up daily,” he concluded.
