Anthony Duclair Makes First Public Statement After Taking Leave of Absence From the Islanders in Early April
Photo credit: Eyes On Isles
Islanders' Anthony Duclair made his first public statement since taking his leave of absence from the team in early April, saying he loves the team and their fans.
With eight games left in the regular season, New York Islanders winger Anthony Duclair requested, and was granted, a leave of absence.
Anthony Duclair's season never gained traction. A torn groin in Game 5 shelved him early, and while he worked to return, his form never quite came back. On April 2, after a frustrating loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, his frustrations spilled over.
The situation was especially disappointing given Duclair's history with Islanders head coach Patrick Roy. The pair goes back to Duclair's junior days, and on July 1, 2024, the first day of free agency, Roy personally called Duclair to sign him.
Duclair agreed, signing a four-year, $3.5 million AAV deal with Long Island. But the fit just was not there.
"He was god-awful. He was god-awful. He had a bad game. That's why I didn't play him a lot," Roy said. "And he's lucky to be in the lineup. Sorry if I lose it on him right now, but that's how I feel."
The question heading into the offseason was whether or not Duclair would return for the second year of his deal.
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche suggested that was the intention, and Roy was optimistic, but ultimately, Duclair's own words meant the most.
Anthony Duclair Set to Return to the Islanders in September Despite Difficult 2024-25 Season
On Tuesday, in an interview with Big Ceaz on No. 11, Duclair addressed the situation publicly for the first time, and he will be returning to the team.
"The Islanders right now are my team. I love them. I love playing for them," Duclair said. "I love the fans. We got a great hockey rink. It's been a joy, and I'm looking forward to a great season. And I'm looking forward to bouncing back and hopefully getting into the playoffs."
The 29-year-old winger had 11 points, with seven goals and four assists, in 44 games during his first season with the Islanders.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 12 | 349 ANSWERS Anthony Duclair Makes First Public Statement After Taking Leave of Absence From the Islanders in Early April Will Anthony Duclair have a solid season ahead? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 39.3 % |
| No | 212 | 60.7 % |
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