Anthony Duclair and Patrick Roy: Clearing the Air Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL Season

The relationship between Anthony Duclair and New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy faced significant strain during the 2024-25 NHL season. Following a disappointing performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning in early April, Roy publicly criticized Duclair, labeling his play as "god-awful" and stating he was "lucky to be in the lineup." This led Duclair to request a leave of absence from the team, exacerbating the tension between the player and coach.

ABC7 New YorkFormer Sharks Forward Explains Painful Injury Causing Islanders StrugglesIsles’ Roy visited Duclair in off-season, apologized for critical commentsDuclair Details Injury, Recovery Process Ahead of SeasonNew York PostIslanders coach Roy apologized to Duclair after learning he tore groin off boneNewsday

Duclair's struggles were largely attributed to a severe groin injury he sustained five games into the season, which he described as tearing the muscle "right off the bone." Initially projected to sideline him for four to six weeks, the injury's recovery took longer than expected, impacting his performance. Duclair admitted, "I just felt like I came back too early... playing on one leg." This miscommunication regarding his health status contributed to the friction with Roy, who believed Duclair was performing at full capacity.

Duclair Details Injury, Recovery Process Ahead of SeasonIslanders coach Roy apologized to Duclair after learning he tore groin off boneNewsdayABC7 New YorkFormer Sharks Forward Explains Painful Injury Causing Islanders StrugglesNew York PostIslanders Anthony Duclair Addresses Extent Of Injury, Patrick Roy's Postgame Comments & ApologyIsles’ Roy visited Duclair in off-season, apologized for critical comments

Over the summer, Roy took the initiative to visit Duclair in Montreal to apologize for his comments. Duclair expressed appreciation for this gesture, stating, "I told him I didn’t need an apology — I just needed him to know I was playing hurt." Both parties acknowledged the miscommunication that had occurred, with Roy admitting he did not fully understand the extent of Duclair's injury at the time.

ABC7 New YorkDuclair Details Injury, Recovery Process Ahead of SeasonIslanders coach Roy apologized to Duclair after learning he tore groin off boneNewsdayFormer Sharks Forward Explains Painful Injury Causing Islanders StrugglesNew York PostIsles’ Roy visited Duclair in off-season, apologized for critical commentsIslanders Anthony Duclair Addresses Extent Of Injury, Patrick Roy's Postgame Comments & Apology

Roy reflected on the situation, saying, "It’s an emotional game, and sometimes you’re saying things... I feel like it almost was negative more than anything else." He expressed hope that Duclair would return to form, emphasizing the importance of moving past the incident. Duclair, now focused on the upcoming season, stated, "My focus is Game 1 of the regular season and being ready for that."

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Despite the resolution, the incident raised questions about Roy's management style and the impact of public criticism on player morale. Critics argue that such harsh comments can undermine a player's confidence and hinder recovery, particularly when dealing with injuries.

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As the 2025-26 season approaches, Duclair aims to regain his pre-injury form. He is set to open training camp alongside teammates Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmstrom. Duclair's performance will be closely monitored as he seeks to fulfill the expectations that come with his four-year, $14 million contract signed last summer.

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• “He apologized for his comments. I told him I didn’t need an apology. I just need him to know I was playing hurt.” — Anthony Duclair, Forward, New York Islanders

Newsday

• “It's an emotional game, and sometimes you're saying things, but the outcome didn't do anything good for us,” — Patrick Roy, Head Coach, New York Islanders

ABC7 New York

• “I just feel like I came back too early.” — Anthony Duclair, Forward, New York Islanders

Newsday

• “When he came back from his injury, it was a little tougher for him for some reasons. But I want him to be who he was before he got hurt.” — Patrick Roy, Head Coach, New York Islanders

Isles’ Roy visited Duclair in off-season, apologized for critical comments

The upcoming training camp will be a critical period for Duclair as he works to demonstrate his readiness for the regular season and rebuild his relationship with Roy.

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