Just over nine months after his last game in the National Hockey League, Quebec’s Anthony Duclair will return for the Florida Panthers on Friday night.
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The Pointe-Claire native has had his Achilles tendon surgery sidelined for three quarters of this season. His last game was on May 22, 2022, in the second round of the playoffs, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“It was a long time ago. I’ve never been on the sidelines for so long, Duclair admitted, and his comments resonated on his team’s website. I’ve learned a lot and it’s made me progress. There’s also a lot of emotion, especially on this one week. I feel like I used to, 100%.”
“He’s happy to be back and we’re happy to have him with us. His injury required a long recovery period. There are many tough days when you know it will be some time before you get back on the ice. That’s his reward,” said head coach Paul Maurice after training.
An important contribution
In the race for a ticket to the playoffs, the Panthers welcomed the news of Duclair’s return to the game against the Buffalo Sabers. The Florida team posted a video on Twitter showing the best moments of the “Duke” in his uniform.
“He brings a lot of offense. There are several games where we needed a goal or two. They add a guy like that and that’s what we need. We can’t wait,” said forward Ryan Lomberg.
Duclair has been impressive in a season and a half with the club. He had 90 points in 117 games and had his first 30+ goal season in 2021-22. The 27-year-old forward is in the second year of a three-year deal that averages $3 million.
The infirmary is also starting to fill up with the panthers. The energetic Givani Smith has been placed on the long-term injured list, while center players Aleksander Barkov and Sam Bennett are re-evaluated daily, Maurice said.