Duclair taking time away from Islanders
New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy announced Thursday that forward Anthony Duclair is taking time away from the team to reflect, according to The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner.
Roy said he and Duclair had a long, positive conversation Thursday morning and the Islanders will give Duclair all the time he needs.
Roy sharply criticized Duclair on Tuesday, saying he was "god-awful" and "lucky to be in the lineup" after New York's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"He's not skating, he's not competing, he's not moving his feet," Roy added. "He's not playing up to what we expect from him. It's an effort thing."
Duclair has seven goals and 11 points in 44 games this season but just four goals and five points in 34 contests since the start of 2025.
The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $14-million contract with the Islanders last summer.
Duclair previously played for Roy with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts from 2011-13.