Anthony Duclair looking to finish strong

Back in September, a bombshell hit the Quebec Remparts when a call from New York City delivered the news that their star player Anthony Duclair had cracked the season-opening roster for the Rangers and that he would begin the year in the NHL.

Losing a 50-goal scorer is never easy, but the Remparts managed to soldier on and stayed among the league’s top teams. Meanwhile, Duclair was making his presence felt with the Rangers with a goal and six assists in 18 games. He also spent a few games looking on from high above in the pressbox which is perfectly normal for any 19-year-old NHL rookie.

“I kind of expected things to be that way since [Rangers head coach] Alain Vigneault had explained to me that I wouldn’t necessarily be in the lineup every night. I got to learn gradually and it was helpful for me to see the game differently,” said Duclair who also had the chance to lean on teammates Martin St-Louis and Derrick Brassard who both helped his adaptation to the NHL game.

 

World Juniors experience

It came as no surprise that come December, the Rangers opted to loan Duclair to Team Canada in time for the World Junior Hockey Championships. He responded by helping lead Canada to gold with four goals and as many assists in the tourney.

“Before leaving for the tournament, I got a text message from Marty that was short but significant. He told me to absorb the moment and to have fun, and that’s exactly what I did,” recalled Duclair.

“We had a lot of fun as a group and it was my greatest experience as a junior player. I also got to play in front of my friends and family in Montreal. I think we won because we all understood our roles and accepted them. That type of engagement is crucial when you want to go far. Our bond was really strong and that’s type of winning attitude that I want to bring to Quebec. It’s important to drag yourself out of your comfort zone and to push yourself even harder.

“When I heard I was heading back to the Remparts, I wasn’t disappointed. Playing regularly in the NHL as a 19-year-old isn’t easy, and when I ended up staying in New York in September it was a real surprise. In my head I totally thought I was going to spend the season in Quebec, help us have a great season and then help us bring Memorial Cup back to Quebec City. That tournament is really big and it’s not every day you get to have a guaranteed spot. But here in Quebec one thing is clear: we don’t just plan to be in this huge tournament as just hosts, but as league champs.”

That was exactly the message the Rangers organization passed onto Duclair before he headed back to the QMJHL: to simply keep working hard and to be a leader on his team with the Remparts.

For his junior head coach Philippe Boucher, the joy he felt upon Anthony’s return was palpable.

“Obviously we are thrilled to have him back with us. We got to insert one of the top players in the league into our lineup without giving anything up in return. At the major junior level, we have a responsibility to develop players. We help prepare them to reach the next level. He would have been happy to see him stick with Rangers, but it sure was a nice surprise to get him back in our lineup.”

 

A tougher return than expected

In a surprising turn of events, Duclair’s triumphant return to the Remparts actually coincided with the club beginning to struggle. The team went a disappointing 2-6, including three losses on home ice at the Colisée early in the year and Boucher was forced to crack the whip.

“There clearly was an adjustment period there and I personally wasn’t satisfied with my own performance. I knew I had more to give,” admitted Duclair. “I never hesitate to put more pressure on my shoulders. When veterans lead the way, the young players follow. It’s up to all of us to do our part. When Philippe hit us with a tough practice after a bad game, none of us were surprised. We knew that all of our talent without the necessary effort would lead us nowhere and it’s good to be reminded of that once in a while.”

 

Since his return to the Remparts, Anthony has posted seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 17 games. Averaging comfortably over a point per game as of February 23 would make most players really happy, but not Duclair who always wants to do more for his team. His mission is clear. In May, he wants to be strutting down Grande Allée Street in Quebec City with a certain shiny trophy over his shoulder.