Future Ranger: Anthony Duclair
Anthony Duclair In The QMJHL
Rangers prospect Anthony Duclair, was drafted in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in the 3rd round, 80th overall. Coming into that draft year, Duclair was ranked as a top 10 prospect, but with facing some big injuries in the CHL, teams were weary of taking him and he fell drastically down the charts.
Starting in 2009-2010, Duclair was playing in Quebec for the Basses Laurentides Conquerants, where he 81 goals and 47 assists in just 59 games. The following year, Duclair had a very impressive rookie season for the Lac St-Louis in Quebec Midget AAA league. He tallied 25 goals and 32 assists in 34 games, which had him second on the team in points. He then went on to score 9 goals and add 14 assists in just 14 playoff games for his team.
He was selected by the Quebec Remparts in the third round of their Entry Draft, 41st overall. He intended on playing College Hockey in the US, but elected to enter the QMJHL at just 16-years old. The 2011-2012 season, he finished being the teams third highest scorer, totaling 66 points, 31 of which were goals. He also was +38 on the ice and finished with 50 penalty minutes. Duclair then played 8 playoff games with the Remparts, where he tallied just 3 goals and 5 assists in those games and was an even plus/minus with 8 penalty minutes.
2012-13: Duclair had an up-and-down season in his second year with the Remparts after skating for Canada’s gold medal team at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Under-18 tournament in August. He endured a one game team “suspension” along with teammate Adam Erne in January, but rebounded to finish as Quebec’s fourth-leading scorer. Duclair scored 20 goals with 30 assists and was +23 with 22 penalty minutes in 55 games for the Remparts.
What can the Rangers expect out of Duclair?
Duclair is a speedy winger, with a very accurate shot. He has the ability to make plays at top speed and quick acceleration. Duclair often only needs the slimmest of openings before he’s on the attack. He has been known to be more of a shoot-first player, as opposed to being a play-maker. If his shot can be more consistent, he can be a very dangerous scoring threat in the NHL.
With his quick speed, fast shot release, and ability to drive the puck to the net, the closest comparison would be Winnipeg Jets’ Evander Kane. They seem to be very similar in their style’s of play. It also may not take too long for Duclair to get a crack at the NYR’s lineup, with already an Entry Deal signed, he can look to compete for a roster by the 2014-2015 NHL season. If projections are correct, Duclair can be a top-6 winger on the Rangers’ roster for many years to come.
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