Forward Anthony Duclair has reportedly secured a job for 2020-21. He rejected a qualifying offer before free agency began, but he has a new home for the coming season. The contract is for one year at $1.7 million.
Welcome to #FlaPanthers Territory, @aduclair10!
Official: Duclair has agreed to terms» https://t.co/lglXiPyGAt pic.twitter.com/OcPp0EXdUb
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) December 17, 2020
Anthony Duclair Signs With Florida Panthers
Duclair was a solid contributor on a bad Ottawa Senators team in 2019-20. He scored a career-best 23 goals and 40 points in 66 games. His average ice time was up almost 2:30 minutes more per game compared to his career average, and he took advantage of the increased opportunities. Duclair still didn’t have great possession numbers with just a 47.5 Corsi For, but that might turn around on his new squad.
The New York Rangers originally drafted Duclair in the third round of the 2013 Draft. He debuted in 2014-15 but didn’t get regular playing time until the following season after a trade to the Arizona Coyotes. 2015-16 gave fans the first glimpse of what he could do. That was the season in which the 5′-11″ wing scored 20 goals and 44 points in 81 games. That was his highest output until last season with Ottawa. His numbers don’t jump off of the page, but he has never stayed on a team for more than two full seasons. A lack of a consistent home could be a huge factor in his lack of production.
What This Means for the Future
Duclair should be given a chance at a regular middle-six role. His scoring rate was over 0.60 per game over the course of 87 games with Ottawa, which is very good. Only the league’s elite talent exceeds that rate consistently. He is still just 25-years-old now with only 353 games in six seasons. There is no reason that Duclair can’t be an above-average scoring option in the right system. He could turn into an excellent bargain with this new contract.
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