Duclair Introduced to San Jose Sharks Media

Newly acquired San Jose Sharks forward Anthony Duclair was introduced to the media on Monday.

The San Jose Sharks traded for Anthony Duclair on Saturday with hopes of bringing some more goal-scoring to the team.

The Duke met with the media Monday morning to discuss many topics upon his eventual arrival in San Jose.

Duclair on his reaction to the trade:

"Honestly, just a little shocked. At the same time, just speaking with Mike [Grier] and management, the shock quickly turned to excitement. I'm just excited for the opportunity here in San Jose, and we've got some good talent up front, and I'm just looking forward to getting in there, number one, and getting working again."

Duclair on coming off a Stanley Cup Final run to San Jose:

"I think for myself it's a big summer. I want to make sure that I come to camp in shape and ready to go. My goal is to play 82-plus games. I haven't done that in my career yet. So for myself just staying available, still staying healthy, and just taking care of the body as much as I can. So I can help win games as much as I can."

Duclair on the Sharks bringing in more diverse players:

"It's awesome. It's an honor for me. I grew up watching Mike [Grier] play, and someone I look up to so. Him being the first black GM in history and then me coming into play for him and [Givani Smith] actually coming at the same time, it's really an awesome feeling. I'm just looking forward to meeting [Grier] for the first time and looking to get acclimated with the organization."

Duclair on if he is back to 100% health:

"Yeah, I would say so. I would say I think I actually improved on my game. I came back and played 20 games in the season, but I wouldn't say I was 100%. But once the playoffs started, I started to feel better and better each and every day. It's a tough injury to come back from, and it takes a lot of patience, but at the same time, I think just putting the trust and my trainers and the medical staff there in Florida they've helped me so much to get over that hump. I think I'm back to 100%. I still have to keep working on it all summer and want to make sure that there are no issues coming in at the training camp."

Duclair on if he knows anyone inside the organization: 

"I mean, I know, [Givani Smith]. I know Vlasic from the Quebec Remparts. Obviously Jumbo. I spoke to him yesterday. It was his birthday, too. So it was awesome to talk a little bit about San Jose, talk about a little bit about the organization, and you know, he's super happy, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again."

Duclair on what Joe Thornton said to him:

"He had a lot to say. On ice. Off ice. Living wise and stuff like that. He said he is gonna take me under his wing, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Duclair on the "Duclair Foundaition's" plans:

"I just want to thank the Panthers organization for putting so much trust and believing in me and my foundation. They've obviously done so much for me just in year one. Last week I finished my first camp here for kids on the ice here in Florida. We had about 30 kids. They absolutely loved it. It was a week-long camp, and [we were] on the ice twice a day, got some off ice. [We had a] couple of guest speakers come by and talk to the kids. Myself and Boko Imama are doing another camp in Montreal next week, in my hometown, and we're looking to get 60 kids. It's something that I've been wanting to do for years, and now that I'm in San Jose, I'm looking forward to growing the game over there. I haven't really thought about it too much, but I'm definitely going to make sure that I do my best to grow the game out there. Hopefully, even build a hockey camp out there. So, you know, the sky's the limit, to be honest, especially in the offseason."

Duclair on what he did to be successful in the NHL: 

"I didn't really like where my career was going. I just feel like I had a lot more to give, and honestly [I] just had a deep talk with myself and making sure that I'm doing everything possible to help the team win. Once I had that talk with myself, just making sure that you know, off the ice, I'm doing everything possible with my trainer, my regiment, rest, and all that. I'm coming to the rink every day [with a] positive attitude and just trying to work hard every day. I think it starts with practice and then the preparation, and once your preparation is A1, I think the game comes a little easier."