The Florida Panthers signed forward Anthony Duclair to a one-year, $1.7 million dollar deal.
Duclair was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. At this point in time, he did not have high expectations. However after scoring 50 goals in a season in the QMJHL, he was named to team Canada’s roster at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.
After winning Gold with Canada at the World Juniors, he was called up to play his first NHL game with the Rangers. Duclair played 18 games in the 2014-15 season and scored just one goal. He would then get called back down to the minor leagues. Duclair did not play another game that NHL season.
However, during that offseason he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes to play with fellow team Canada teammate Max Domi. He spent the next two and a half seasons there.
During the 2017-18 season he was traded from Arizona to the Chicago Blackhawks. He only spent the rest of that season there.
The next summer Duclair signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He spent only half a year there before being traded to the Ottawa Senators.
In Ottawa, Duclair would have the best season he’s had so far. After agreeing to a one-year contract with the, he would score 23 goals and 17 assists, the most goals and assists he’s scored in a single season. He finished second in goal-scoring with the team. Duclair was later named to play at the 2020 NHL-All Star game.
Florida Panthers
On Thursday afternoon, Anthony Duclair signed with his 6th team, the Florida Panthers.
“Anthony is a dynamic and highly skilled player who is capable of being a dependable offensive contributor for our team” said Panthers general manager Bill Zito. “He possesses tremendous speed and goal-scoring ability and earned an opportunity to be named an NHL All-Star last season. We’re excited to welcome Anthony and look forward to what he can add to our team.”
Duclair should provide an immediate impact for the Panthers, increasing their chances of becoming Stanley Cup Bound.