The fallout from Patrick Roy’s comments on Anthony Duclair were swift and immediate.
Duclair was not at practice on Thursday and Roy told reporters that he’d asked for some time off to reflect. The Islanders granted the request.
“This morning, Anthony and I had a very good conversation, a very positive one,” Roy told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “And Anthony asked me to take some time off to reflect. So obviously I agreed to that and we’ll give him all the time that he needs.”
Whether that means Duclair will play at all over the final eight games of the season is unclear at this point.
Matt Martin will come into the lineup for Friday’s game against the Wild, with Max Tsyplakov moving up from the fourth line to replace Duclair on the second line.
For the time being, the Islanders have just 12 available forwards, and could look to AHL Bridgeport for an extra body.
Martin, who started the season on a PTO, has not played since Jan. 16.
“He’s been a great leader. It’s impressive the way he’s been every day at practice and working and pushing the guys that were not playing and keeping them in a positive mind,” Roy said. “So I’m excited to give him the opportunity to play tomorrow.”
Roy harshly criticized Duclair on Tuesday night, calling the winger “god-awful” in a 4-1 loss to the Lightning and questioning his effort level.
“He’s not skating, he’s not competing, he’s not moving his feet,” Roy said. “He’s not playing up to what we expect from him.”
Duclair, the Islanders’ marquee signing over the summer, has put forth a disastrous season.
After suffering a groin injury five games into the season, Duclair missed the next 29 games and has been invisible since returning. He has just seven goals and four assists in 44 games.
There are three years left on Duclair’s deal at $3.5 million annually. He has a full no-trade clause next season.
The Islanders started Thursday five points back of a playoff spot, with a six-game losing streak in hand.
