New York Islanders
Duclair Out Long-Term: Foudy Recalled; Lineup Fallout vs Detroit
Yesterday morning, Lou Lamoriello announced to the media that Anthony Duclair’s injury would be “more long-term than short-term.” Since then, the New York Islanders successfully waived and sent Julien Gauthier to Bridgeport and recalled summer signing Liam Foudy.
Duclair Immediate Fallout:
Duclair’s injury is a major blow for the Islanders. The Islanders made Duclair the summer’s marquee signing for the organization, stapling him to the side of Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat since day one of camp. Duclair immediately scored in his debut for the Islanders and totaled three points in five games.
Duclair also slotted in with Horvat and Barzal on one of the team’s two powerplay units, along with Noah Dobson and Maxim Tsyplakov. Those units struggled out of the gate; changes are expected ahead of tonight’s game with the Red Wings.
Simon Holmstrom will receive the first crack on line one. Holmstrom called his offensive zone play “unacceptable,” specifically referencing his lack of shots on goal. He’s had zero (0) in his last three games and just one 5v5 shot on goal all season.
Holmstrom does have two assists and is poised to receive time on the power play after Head Coach Patrick Roy shook up both units following a poor showing late in Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Liam Foudy Islanders Debut:
Foudy, 24, signed after the Nashville Predators (and Barry Trotz) did not qualify the speedy forward after claiming him off of waivers from Columbus. In five games this season with Bridgeport, Foudy has four assists and has shown great hockey IQ, which made him stand out in camp. His attitude, speed, and skill made him the team’s first call-up of the season.
Foudy has played 102 career games, scoring seven goals and 22 points. He played 13 in the NHL last year, scoring just three assists. He played one game with the Columbus Blue Jackets and 12 with the Nashville Predators. It’s a massive opportunity for the young forward, and he will slot in tonight alongside Kyle MacLean and Oliver Wahlstrom.
Foudy, a speedy playmaker, can make some plays. His ability to sniff out pucks and set up plays could make him a perfect fit to play with Wahlstrom, who can shoot the puck as well as anybody. MacLean will continue to be the engine that drives the line on both ends of the ice, no doubt.
Projected Lines vs Detroit:
Holmstrom – Horvat – Barzal
Tsyplakov – Nelson – Palmieri
Lee – Pageau – Cizikas
Foudy – MacLean – Wahlstrom
Romanov – Dobson
Pelech – Pulock
Reilly – Mayfield
Sorokin (Varlamov)