Duclair seeks redemption as Islanders start a fresh season

Anthony Duclair returned to the Islanders’ practice ice Friday after an upper-body injury and was back in the lineup for the Islanders’ 4-2 preseason loss to the Devils, the first time he wore an Islanders sweater since his 2024-25 season ended with coach Patrick Roy publicly questioning his play and effectively pushing him into an early offseason.

Duclair described his motivation as "super high" and spoke of a "fresh start" for everybody. "Obviously, new season, fresh start for everybody," he said. "You want to get off to a good start. That's what I'm looking forward to do. Even though last year didn't go the way I wanted, I always want to come back and be stronger. Learn from my mistakes and move forward." The plan to pair Duclair with Mathew Barzal on Friday's top line—onetime ambition to form a high-powered unit on either side of Bo Horvat—was largely the product of preseason roster shuffling rather than a firm intent to stick with the trio, and it reflected the season that preceded it: Duclair and Barzal played just five games together before Duclair tore his groin. In the end, the trio of Duclair, Barzal and Marc Gatcomb logged limited time together as the Islanders auditioned combinations rather than committing to a defined ‘duo’ or ‘trio.’ Duclair logged 17:07 and scored a late goal as the Islanders mounted a late push, though five-on-five play remained a preseason struggle.

Duclair has spent most of camp in the bottom six, on the left of the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmström. He has looked good in practice, but his groin will be tested by the pace of an NHL schedule. He has said the offseason was rehab-focused; "I didn’t have the summer that I’d like to have." By Friday, he said his body has held up well through just over a week of training camp. Roy offered a more measured assessment, saying, "I thought in the first period you could tell he was a little rusty. But in the second and third, I thought he was playing better. He was competing well, scored that goal in front of the net, it was a nice move by him."

As recently as two seasons ago, Duclair scored 24 goals and slotted into the Lightning lineup after being dealt to Tampa Bay at the deadline, helping a Cup-contending team until the playoffs. Friday felt a long way from there, but the Islanders hope it marks an important first step on the road back.

"It’s been a while," Duclair said. "I feel good. Feeling good in practices and in the scrimmage that we played. Obviously, camp is real tough, the intensity is ramping up every single day. Feeling good, body’s reacting really good. We’ll see [Friday night]." In camp, though, his role remains fluid and his health is the primary question as the Islanders push toward the regular season.

Duclair has been part of a broader reset for New York after last season’s abrupt end. He noted that his offseason was largely rehab-focused and downplayed expectations, saying, "I didn’t have the summer that I’d like to have." He added that his body has responded well through early training camp, but the real test comes with the NHL schedule and the need to stay durable over 82 games.

The Islanders entered the session with a plan to explore combinations rather than cement lines, a sign of how Roy and the coaching staff view Duclair’s timeline. Roy’s assessment of the early days was cautious but hopeful: the adjustment from a difficult end to last season to a competitive training camp continues, with Duclair still trying to recapture the form that once made him a 24-goal scorer for a Cup-contending team.

"It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position, but I feel good about where I am physically and mentally," Duclair said. "If I can stay healthy and compete night in and night out, I’ll be in a better place than last year."

The Islanders will monitor Duclair’s progress as the preseason proceeds, with the goal of integrating him into a lineup that must prove it can generate five-on-five offense more consistently. The road ahead is long, but Friday’s return and the early self-assurance from Duclair mark a tangible first step in what figures to be a pivotal season for both player and team.