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Columbus Blue Jackets: Anthony Duclair signed for one year

By Jasmine Yen |
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 23: Anthony Duclair #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks chases the puck in the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on February 23, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 23: Anthony Duclair #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks chases the puck in the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on February 23, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Anthony Duclair to a one-year contract worth $650 000. Is this a good move?

Anthony Duclair exploded onto the NHL scene as a rookie back in 2015-2016. In 81 games played, he scored 20 goals and had 24 assists with a mediocre Arizona Coyotes team. Ever since he’s bounced around from Arizona to Chicago and now to the Columbus Blue Jackets. His scoring has dropped off quite a bit and he hasn’t been able to find the same level of success from three years ago.

Now, all his numbers must be taken with a grain of salt. First of all, out of the four NHL seasons that he’s played, three of them were with the Coyotes. The perennial worst team that can’t seem to get out of its own way. That team hasn’t made it to the playoffs in six years and aren’t that close to going back.

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The culture of losing in the desert is strong and it’s very tough for young players to deal with constant losing. It can become discouraging and eat away at their commitment to the game. Surrounding Duclair with mediocre players and having a bad powerplay are all part why his numbers aren’t as good as they should be.

An uncertain future also does not help a young player. Duclair is 22 years old and he’s already played for three different teams. All the moving around and constant change in environments and linemates is tough to adjust to, especially in your first few seasons in the big leagues.

Both the nonstop losing and constant moving from city to city affect his productivity on the ice and hopefully, he will find more stability in Columbus.

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Duclair is very fast and has a great shot. On a team like the Blue Jackets, that is a very welcome sight. One of the things Columbus lacked was speed and they just got a lot for league minimum. He’s 22 years old and still has a lot of hockey ahead of him. If the Blue Jackets can get him to produce like he’s shown he can, they just scored a wicked deal.

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