Anthony Duclair is set to miss a significant chunk of time due to an injury he suffered against the Canadiens, according to Lou Lamoriello. Although it’s not expected to end his season, more details will be available after further tests on Tuesday.
Duclair had just started a new chapter with the Islanders, signing a four-year deal worth $14 million. He quickly became an important player for their struggling offense, playing alongside Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat. In five games, Duclair scored twice and assisted once, showing strong chemistry with his linemates by controlling 64.6% of expected goals.
His career has been a rollercoaster due to injuries and inconsistency. Despite these challenges, he shone in the 2021-22 season with 31 goals and 58 points while playing for the Panthers. However, an Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for most of the following season. After brief stints with the Sharks and Lightning, where he showed glimpses of brilliance again, fans are hopeful but worried about his future performance.
Islanders’ Challenges Ahead:
Now without Duclair’s offensive spark, the Islanders face uncertainty as they continue to struggle with scoring; they’re currently ranked 26th in goals per game at 2.60 GF/GP. While their defense remains solid thanks to Ilya Sorokin’s excellent goaltending (.953 SV% in two games), losing Duclair is a blow they didn’t need.
To fill this gap temporarily, Lamoriello plans to call up someone from AHL Bridgeport soon since Julien Gauthier won’t stay on the roster after being put on waivers—he’ll head back if unclaimed. Matt Martin isn’t getting a contract yet either; instead, Simon Holmström seems poised for increased responsibility alongside Barzal and Horvat based on recent line rushes during practice sessions.
Holmström has two assists so far this season while averaging over thirteen minutes per game mostly at right wing next to Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau—a promising start but can he rise up when needed most?
As we wait for updates about Duclair’s recovery timeline: What do you think? Can Holmström step up or should they look elsewhere?
