Winnipeg Jets Should Pursue Anthony Duclair
The Winnipeg Jets almost severely suffered from injuries this year, and it’s only the beginning of January. We could use a young player who could fill up a depth role, and play a part in the future of the Jets franchise.
Just this afternoon, it was reported that Arizona Coyotes forward, Anthony Duclair had requested a trade. Duclair clearly isn’t enjoying playing for the struggling team, and wants out. The Winnipeg Jets aren’t a struggling team, we have a good fanbase, and it’s a great place to play. Winnipeg would make a great option for a young Duclair, who will probably also like to win a Stanley Cup.
Duclair was a 3rd round pick for the Rangers. He excelled in juniors, but was traded to Arizona in order to acquire Keith Yandle. He had a solid first full season with Arizona. Duclair failed to bring his success into the 2016/17 season, and received a demotion to Tucson of the AHL. Duclair has seven goals, six assists, and thirteen points in 31 games. Anthony Duclair is currently on pace for 14 goals, 12 assists, and 26 points in 62 games.
The Winnipeg Jets could turn to him as an option closer to the deadline if facing injury issues. We also could be interested if Cheveldayoff feels the need to bulk up with some reassurance for our playoff run.
Duclair’s Contract Situation
Duclair is currently on the last year of a $1.2 million contract, which will have him becoming an RFA this offseason. If Duclair has success in Winnipeg, we shouldn’t have to be worried about paying him a hefty contract. He hasn’t showed enough consistency in the NHL to ask more that what he’s making right now. If he doesn’t work out like we hoped, no big deal. We can just sign him to a fairly cheap deal until he starts performing.
Why he makes sense
I think picking up Duclair would make sense, because we have an injured player almost always and he’d make a decent replacement. He’s a far better player than both Marko Dano, and Shawn Matthias, and just needs a change of scenery. He also makes more sense than Roslovic because Roslovic is still young, and we don’t want to stunt his growth by only using him on the third or fourth line.
Duclair could eventually become just as important, if not more, than a guy like Joel Armia or even Adam Lowry. I believe a little shakeup, and maybe playing with some better players could do good for him.
Related Story: Winnipeg Jets: Looking ahead at the Trade Deadline
Will we actually go for him?
Although I’d love to see Duclair as a Jet, the chances aren’t probable. The Coyotes have a very smart GM (John Chayka), and I think his asking price would be more than Cheveldayoff wants to pay. Chayka will probably look for young players and picks to build the future Yotes. Those aren’t something Chevy would be willing to sacrifice, unless Chayka had a lower pick asking price. It’s not likely going to happen, but you never know what Cheveldayoff could do, as we could be on our first big playoff run.