Zito puts ink to paper again and signs FA winger Anthony Duclair to a one-year, $1.7 M deal.
Pumped!
Welcome to #FlaPanthers Territory, @aduclair10!
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) December 17, 2020
Official: Duclair has agreed to terms» https://t.co/lglXiPyGAt pic.twitter.com/OcPp0EXdUb
At only 25, Duclair has had an interesting run so far in the NHL after making his debut in 2014-15. Selected by the Rangers in the third round (80th overall) of the 2013 draft, he has made stops in AZ, CHI, CBJ and OTT.
He has shown flashes, but hasn’t been able to put it all together...until last season.
Duclair had a career year in Ottawa during last year’s campaign, putting up 40 points (23G, 17A) in 66 games - earning himself 2020 All-Star honors. I was actually really surprised when the Sens didn’t make him an offer. He seemed to fit well there and it felt like he was going to be a part of the young nucleus OTT is trying to build.
Personally, I really like the signing. If Duclair can repeat/build off of last season, the Cats will have gotten themselves a nice little piece (at a great price) to help with the scoring void left by Hoffman and Daddy.
What I’m most excited about with Duclair? His speed.
Duclair possesses some serious wheels, and it appears his hands have caught up to them, as he managed to combine the two appendages last season for some solid offensive production.
My hope is he’ll bring that element of speed and acceleration the Cats can use to put defenses on their heels a bit. He has a nice release and shot, too.
From Zito:
“Anthony is a dynamic and highly skilled player who is capable of being a dependable offensive contributor for our team. 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.…
Harv - I’ll bet you a virtual beer that this is another really good signing by Zito, my man.
Young Guys Making Impressions
With the WJC coming up, it’s pretty cool to see four Panthers’ prospects in the top 50.
4 #FlaPanthers in @chrismpeters' Top-50 😺
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 17, 2020
19. Denisenko
22. Lundell
27. Knight
41. Tippett https://t.co/hSgaPskB5s
And here’s another young gun putting in some work. Really nice goal here by Ty Smilanic!
Congrats to #FlaPanthers 2020 3rd-round pick Ty Smilanic! His first NCAA goal is a beauty. 😻 https://t.co/O7pSgwsdQi
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 16, 2020
Around the Hockeyverse
Sad news in the hockey world today when The King, Henrik Lundqvist, announced he will not be playing for the Caps this upcoming season due to a heart issue.
Like many people, I’ve always been a fan of Lundqvist on and off the ice. He’s a tremendous competitor and great ambassador for the game.
Here’s to hoping the King can get healthy and back on his throne!
I’ll be back in a few days with a holiday-themed blog.
As always...Go Panthers!