Reuniting with Patrick Roy: Anthony Duclair’s Journey to the Islanders’ Top Line
Introduction:
Anthony Duclair, a 15-year-old aspiring hockey player from Pointe-Claire, Quebec, had his sights set on college. However, when Patrick Roy, the coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts, decided to draft him, Duclair couldn’t refuse the opportunity to play for a legendary figure in the NHL.
Finding Success with the Remparts:
Duclair joined the Remparts and proved himself as a talented player. Fast forward to present day, and Roy’s influence is still evident in Duclair’s career. Roy played a crucial role in convincing Duclair to sign a four-year deal with the Islanders as a free agent this summer.
Reunion on the Top Line:
Duclair recently arrived on Long Island for his first training camp with the Islanders. He has been participating in veterans’ skates with the team and is set to join Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat on the top line when training camp opens. This reunion with Horvat brings back memories of their time as roommates for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup when they were 17 years old.
Playing alongside Bo Horvat:
Duclair expresses his excitement about reuniting with Horvat, describing him as a reliable player in all situations. Duclair appreciates Horvat’s solid two-way play and looks forward to learning from him. Their previous connection and shared experiences will undoubtedly contribute to a strong on-ice partnership for the Islanders.
The Superstar, Mathew Barzal:
Duclair also acknowledges the talent of Mathew Barzal, referring to him as a superstar in the league. He admires Barzal’s passion, competitiveness, and consistency on the ice. Playing alongside Barzal will undoubtedly elevate Duclair’s game and provide him with an opportunity to learn from one of the best players in the league.
Islanders’ Offseason Priority:
The Islanders prioritized adding a scoring winger during the offseason, and Duclair fits the bill perfectly. With 24 and 31 goals in his last two fully healthy seasons, Duclair brings both speed and scoring ability to complement Barzal’s playmaking skills. Moreover, his experience on both special teams makes him a valuable asset to the team.
The Impact of Duclair’s Speed:
Barzal recognizes the impact that Duclair’s speed will have on the team’s performance. With their combined speed, the duo can create dangerous opportunities off transition and fast breaks. Barzal expresses his excitement to see where their partnership takes them and acknowledges that anyone who gets to play with Duclair will be fortunate.
Conclusion:
Anthony Duclair’s journey to the Islanders’ top line is a testament to his talent and the influence of Patrick Roy. Reuniting with Horvat and playing alongside Barzal presents an exciting opportunity for Duclair to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success. With his speed, scoring ability, and versatility on special teams, Duclair has the potential to make a significant impact for the Islanders in the upcoming season.
