The serious injury to Anthony DuClair, the high-scoring forward whom the Islanders signed in the off-season, is horrible news for the Islanders. DuClair is likely to miss fourteen, or more weeks, with an Achilles tendon injury. He may need surgery for the injury that took place in the game against the Montreal Canadians on October 19, a home game on Long Island.
The long-term nature of the injury means several Islanders players will have to step up to fill the void. Some of those players are listed here. Islanders General Manager Lou Lamarillo, the Hockey Hall of Famer, said the Duclair injury was an opportunity for other players to step up.
Simon Holmstrom
The DuClair replacement on the top line and the power play is Simon Holmstrom. Holmstrom does not replace DuClair, but is fast and has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. Holmstrom was an Islanders first-round draft pick, It is fair to wonder if Hall of Fame Coach, Patrick Roy, will be able to get Simon Holmstrom to realize his potential.
Liam Foudy
To fill DuClair’s roster spot, the Islander’s called up Liam Foudy from their American Hockey League affiliate Bridgeport. Foudy will play on the Islander’s fourth line, where there will be little to no pressure on him. He made his National Hockey League debut on October 22, 2024. There is no word on whether he will stick with the Islanders, that will depend on how well he plays. Foudy is not required to fill DuCair’s spot, he is required to be a serviceable National Hockey League player.
Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat
DuCair’s linemates must play even better than they did last season. They need to play both to cover the goal-scoring deficit and to make life easier for Simon Holmstrom. Duclair signed a four-year contract to play on the top line with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. It will be like last season when this duo was the main scoring threat for the Islanders.
Anders Lee, Nelson, and Kyle
Captain Anders Lee has played much better this year, scoring two goals in the early going, than he did last season, when he scored twenty goals. Lee scored forty goals in 2017 and the Islanders need him now. The production in the early going has been good, but Lee needs to live up to the Captain ‘C’ on his jersey. The rest of the Islanders must play better than they did last year as well. This applies to many Islander scoring threats, but it is worth mentioning Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmeri here because both scored thirty goals last season capable of scoring at will.
Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin
One way to make up for the scoring loss with the Ducair injury is to not let in any goals. So, the Islanders’ stellar goaltenders need to play exceptionally well. They are certainly capable. Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin form one of the best goaltending duos in the National Hockey League. The duo is playing well. For instance, Ilya Sorokin has the lowest goals-against average in the entire league. They will both need to play well now, and the Islanders should avoid the temptation to overplay Sorokin. He played 28 games last year, but so often he wore down.
Conclusion
The injury to Anthony DuCair is a horrible loss for the Islanders. He signed a four-year $14 million contract to play on the Islanders’ top line and first power play unit. The Islanders goal scorers must fill the void and Simon Holmstrom needs to take advantage of his opportunity.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? We’ve got you covered from electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out – explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
