Follow @james_tanner123 While I don't think the Coyotes should be giving up on Anthony Duclair - his speed, proven ability to drive possession, twenty-goal rookie season - Eklund has reported an interesting rumour that would see the Coyotes send Duclair to the Islanders for Ryan Strome.
This makes sense for obvious reasons: both players are struggling and the Coyotes already have Dylan Strome.
Duclair hasn't done much this year - three goals, and nine points in 42 games before being demoted.
Those are some seriously hard numbers to defend. A point every fourth game? Damn!
I think there is some obvious caveats here, however: He lost his job on the first line when the Coyotes signed 335 year-old Radem Vrbata. In the first game of the year, he played about seven minutes of 5v5.
I have heard, however, that Duclair has been the consummate professional since being demoted. Someone who sends me some pretty good information from time to time sent me this:
Duclair is totally positive about being in Tucson. he was told its temporary and he will get tons of minutes on the top line. It's really just finding his game and its not a stressful situation at all.
I don't think the Coyotes will trade him. He brings a grit the rest of their prospects lack and it's not uncommon for young players to struggle. Also, once Domi is back, their speed just kills teams and I don't think the Coyotes want to get less fast. I don't think Ryan Strome is a known for his skating.
I would rather the Coyotes stick with Duclair.