Girls Youth Hockey EAST MEADOW, NY -- On Tuesday morning, New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/anthony-duclair-new-york-islanders-injury-lower-body-skating-canadiens-2024-25] forward Anthony Duclair rejoined his teammates for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury in their 4-3 shootout win against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 19. He was donning an orange non-contact jersey, like fellow injured player Adam Pelech. Duclair, 29, was one of two Islanders free agent signings, inking a four-year deal worth $3.5 million. In five games, Duclair had two goals and an assist, playing alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal on the team's top line. Barzal, who suffered an upper-body injury on Oct. 30, has also been out long-term. Duclair, who we were told began skating on his own on Nov. 25, is eligible to be activated out of long-term injured reserve when he's ready, having missed the mandatory 10 games AND 24 days. The Islanders would need to create a roster spot for Duclair if and when he's ready to play, but they do have the salary cap space. "Loved having him out there," Islanders captain Anders Lee [https://www.nhl.com/player/anders-lee-8475314https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-rangers-jacob-trouba-new-york-islanders-captain-anders-lee] told The Hockey News. "We had him break us down at the end. It's good to have him out there, getting his reps with the boys, getting up to speed, and feeling better and better. It's always a boost when we got guys coming back, getting close and having them around. It's great to see him getting closer." Bo Horvat echoed Lee's sentiments. "It definitely brings a spark to us, for sure," Horvat told THN. "It sucks to have a player of his caliber out for as long as he's been out. For him to be back, practicing, and being with the guys again was definitely great to see. He put a smile on everybody's face."
