Anthony Duclair Sidelined Long-Term with Leg Injury, Islanders Remain Optimistic

In a tough blow to the New York Islanders, forward Anthony Duclair will miss significant time due to a leg injury. However, the news is not all bad according to General Manager Lou Lamoriello, the injury is not season-ending. More details regarding Duclair’s recovery timeline will be available after additional testing on Tuesday.

Duclair’s Impact Cut Short

Duclair, who was a key offseason acquisition for the Islanders, was brought in to add speed, skill, and secondary scoring to the lineup. Known for his blazing quickness and offensive abilities, Duclair has made a name for himself as a versatile winger who can produce on any given night. After a strong showing last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he contributed consistently after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks, he was expected to make a significant impact with the Islanders this year.

Unfortunately, Duclair’s injury throws a wrench in those plans. Just a few games into his first season with New York, his long-term absence leaves a hole in the Islanders forward group at a time when every point is crucial. Though the extent of his injury isn’t fully clear, the fact that it isn’t season-ending is a relief for both Duclair and the Islanders.

A Setback for the Isles

The Islanders have started the 2024-25 season with a respectable 2-1-2 record, placing them 4th in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division. Although it’s early in the season, the loss of Duclair for an extended period could challenge the team’s depth and scoring ability, especially as they aim to stay competitive in a tough division.

Duclair’s role was vital in balancing the team’s offensive output, offering an alternative scoring threat to complement top-six players like Brock Nelson and Anders Lee. With Duclair out of the lineup, the Islanders will have to lean more heavily on their veteran forwards, while younger players like Simon Holmström, and even fringe roster players like Pierre Engvall and Oliver Wahlstrom could see increased ice time and opportunities to step up.

Next Man Up

For the Islanders to maintain their momentum, several players will need to elevate their play. Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Brock Nelson will likely carry the bulk of the offensive workload, but it’s also an opportunity for depth players to seize a larger role.

Young talents such as Holmström, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully break out, may be called upon to take advantage of more ice time. Similarly, Maxim Tsyplakov has been solid in his limited NHL exposure and could be poised for more responsibility. The Islanders depth will certainly be tested, but they’ve been known as a resilient group under coach Patrick Roy, relying on structure and defense to keep them competitive even when injuries arise.

Final Thoughts

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Islanders as they navigate Duclair’s absence. Additional testing on Tuesday will reveal more about the severity of his injury and provide a clearer timeline for his return. Until then, the Islanders must find ways to fill the void left by his departure and continue their push in the early stages of the season. Duclair’s return later in the season could serve as a boost for the Islanders, especially if they manage to remain in the playoff hunt. His skill set and speed will be a valuable asset once he’s healthy, and the Islanders will be eager to have him back for a potential playoff push.

For now, the team’s focus will be on maintaining consistency and finding ways to compensate for Duclair’s absence. With a strong defensive core and plenty of veteran leadership, the Islanders will hope to weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side.