Anthony Duclair's injury is 'more long term than short term,' Islanders' Lou Lamoriello says
New York Islanders left wing Anthony Duclair is down on the ice in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at UBS Arena on Saturday. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The full extent of the damage to Anthony Duclair’s right leg is not yet fully known, but Islanders president/general manager Lou Lamoriello acknowledged on Monday it would be “more long term than short term at this point,” though not season ending for the top line left wing.
“We just have to get more results from X-rays and MRIs,” Lamoriello said as the Islanders practiced at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
Duclair, signed as a free agent to a four-year, $14 million deal to skate with top-line center Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, was injured early in the third period of Saturday’s 4-3 nine-round shootout win over the Canadiens at UBS Arena.
The speedy wing tried to split two defenders on a rush deep in the Canadiens’ zone but went down awkwardly with his leg twisted underneath. Duclair was unable to put weight on his right leg and was helped off the ice by Horvat.
The 29-year-old Duclair, playing for his ninth NHL franchise in 11 seasons, had two goals and one assist in his first five games with the Islanders.
Lamoriello said a forward would be recalled from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport to take Duclair’s roster spot. Pierre Engvall, who had a poor training camp but was still a surprise demotion as he enters the second season of a seven-year, $21 million deal, is a possibility.
In a separate move, speedy right wing Julien Gauthier, who made his season debut on Saturday after being a healthy scratch for the first four games, was placed on waivers and will be re-assigned to Bridgeport if he clears.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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