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Arizona Coyotes: Anthony Duclair May Be Special Talent

By William Grigsby

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Arizona Coyotes’ Anthony Duclair Has Lots Of Potential To Be An Exceptional Player

When THE TRADE was made sending defensemen Keith Yandle, Chris Summers, plus a fourth round 2016 pick to the N.Y. Rangers for forward Anthony Duclair, D-man John Moore, plus a 2015 second round pick, and a 2016 first rounder I was as surprised as most. Then, I thought, we are in a “rebuild”, so why not get some young talent?

That second round 2015 pick wound up being Christian Fischer, who has committed to playing at the University Notre Dame this year.

Now, with Fischer going to play collegiate hockey, and the other asset the team received, John Moore not retained by the team (he signed with New Jersey), Anthony Duclair had better be as good as expected to make this trade worthwhile. I think he will be for a number of reasons.

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  1. His speed is deceivingly fast. He’s by defenders before they know what to do. He has long strides, and crashes to the net like you want a forward to do… sorta like a pretty successful forward by the name of Shane Doan. Am I expecting him to be another Doan? Nope, just hoping he plays that physical style. It will be to his, and the team’s advantage if he does.
  2. His connection/chemistry with Max Domi, who is a shoe-in to make the roster at training camp in September, is magical. If you haven’t seen the highlights of the Dynamic Duo showing off their awesomeness, you haven’t been reading this site’s posts. Just watching these two setting each other up for shots on goal, will be worth the price of a ticket. THEY WILL BE DYNAMITE ! !
  3. He has stated that he is excited about the opportunity to play here, and I’m sure he also knows a lot is expected of him to succeed. He WANTS to play here, he wants the team to be glad they traded one of their star players for him.
  4. He’s quick, competitive, and isn’t afraid to shoot the puck. He scored 50 goals and 99 points with the Quebec Remparts during the 2013-14 season.

What do some of his former, and current team members think of him? Louis Domingue, who played goal for the Quebec Remparts in 2011-12 says,

"“He’s really, really skilled. He’s good. He’s gonna be a good player in the NHL.”"

Anthony Duclair played 18 games while with the Rangers last season scoring  one goal, six assists, and was grateful to get some NHL experience under his belt before being returned to junior level competition again.

"“Having those 18 games with New York was really good for my development,” said. I learned so much with Alain Vegneault being the coach, and some key veteran guys in the locker room. I think I learned a lot, for myself an offensive guy, I think I learned a lot defensively. It just made me a better player on the ice.”"

While Duclair is hopeful of contending for a roster spot at training camp, he also knows he needs to do some work to get to that goal.

“I’m going to have a good summer, gain some weight and mature physically and be ready for the training camp, ” he said. “I want to make that jump.”

If he wants to make that jump, we as fans want to witness it. Seeing him in person at the rookie prospect camp last week was indeed a thrill. I think once every fan sees his potential, his raw talent they will become “Tony D” fans.. I know I already have joined that fan club myself.

Mark my words… he’s going to a good one.

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