Sharks Bench Duclair Again; Trade Rumors Only Get Stronger
The San Jose Sharks made Anthony Duclair a healthy scratch for the second time last night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports - Sharks Bench Duclair Again; Trade Rumors Only Get StrongerThe San Jose Sharks made Anthony Duclair a healthy scratch for the second time last night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
His first benching came against the Colorado Avalanche.
He told reporters after that game what head coach David Quinn's reason was for his benching.
"Just be better. Work harder. Skate more," Duclair explained.
A consistent effort is all Quinn has asked out of his players this season. For these reasons, Duclair hasn't been the only one to be a healthy scratch. Whether for lack of attention to detail or a drop in play, players like Calen Addison, Kyle Burroughs, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Mike Hoffman, or more, Quinn isn't afraid to send a message to his team.
After practice on Dec. 19, Quinn gave insight into what he wants Duclair to do more.
"Him skating both ways and in all three zones," Quinn said. "When he does that, he's a really good player in this league."
When asked if the consistency of effort was the reason behind his benching tonight, he responded, "That is exactly right."
Duclair's name is on just about every trade target list a hockey fan can think of. With that in mind, benching him won't do the Sharks front office any good, as his trade value will likely drop with the continued poor performances.
Duclair's season with the Sharks hasn't gone how either side wanted. The former 31-goalscorer hasn't been consistent, scoring eight goals in 40 games. Duclair's goal against the Ottawa Senators was his first in nine games.
While his mentorship and friendship with his teammates are admirable, his play on the ice is what he was brought in for, and he hasn't produced.
A team like the Edmonton Oilers could be interested in his services due to his ability to skate. Connor McDavid is the best player in the world, and having a winger who can play at his speed could be incredibly dangerous.
The Oilers are the hottest team in the league, having won 11 straight games, a franchise record. Former San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane hasn't produced as the team had hoped, and Duclair could be a perfect replacement should the team try to move on from Kane.
Edmonton might have to pay a lofty price for the Sharks to retain part of Duclair's $3 million cap hit but could also look to move on from Philip Broberg.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are another team that might want to target Duclair. Having just lost Riley Smith to injury, the Pens will want to help their already lacking depth-scoring options with an addition like Duclair.
He could also be used to play alongside Sidney Crosby. Given the recent trade history between the Penguins and Sharks, a deal might be easier to create. Like the Oilers, the Penguins will likely need to pay a little more to have the Sharks retain salary.
Whatever the case may be for Duclair on March 8, last night's second benching is a sign that his time in San Jose might not last an entire season.
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