When it comes to coaching in the NHL, there’s no perfect formula. Some coaches are calm and supportive, while others choose tough love. This week, New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy made headlines after strongly criticising one of his players, Anthony Duclair, which led to Duclair stepping away from the team for a short break.
Let’s take a closer look at what really happened, why it matters, and what this means for Duclair and the Islanders.
What Did Patrick Roy Say About Anthony Duclair?
After the Islanders lost 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Coach Roy didn’t hold back in his post-game interview. Speaking openly about Duclair’s performance, he said, “He was god-awful… He’s lucky to be in the lineup… He’s not skating, he’s not competing.” These words weren’t just surprising—they were harsh and public.
This kind of public criticism is rare in today’s game. While some might say Roy was being honest, others feel this wasn’t the right way to handle things, especially with so much pressure already on the players.
Duclair Takes Time Off After the Comments
Just two days after the press conference, Duclair decided to take some time off from the team. Roy later explained that they had a positive conversation and that he supported Duclair’s decision to take a short break and reflect.
This move shows that, despite the tough words, Roy and Duclair are trying to keep things professional. Still, it raises questions about how effective this kind of coaching style is in today’s NHL.
Why Duclair Is Under Pressure
Duclair signed a four-year contract with the Islanders worth $3.5 million per year. So far, in 44 games, he has only scored 7 goals and 11 assists. For a forward with high expectations, those numbers are considered below average.
He also has a no-trade clause until 2026, which means the team can’t move him without his permission. This gives him some control over his future, but also puts more responsibility on him to perform well.
Is Public Criticism the Right Approach?
It’s easy to see that the Islanders are frustrated. They’re currently on a six-game winless streak and sliding out of playoff contention. But blaming one player publicly may not help the team improve.
Duclair is not a newcomer to the league. He has played for nine different NHL teams, and he signed with the Islanders hoping for stability. One of the reasons he chose the Islanders was Coach Roy himself—his former junior coach from the QMJHL.
So, if a player joins a team because he trusts the coach, and then gets publicly criticised, it creates a difficult situation. It’s now unclear whether this tough approach will motivate Duclair or push him further away.
What Happens Next?
With the spotlight now on Duclair and Roy’s relationship, fans and the media will be watching closely. Either this situation will help Duclair bounce back and play better, or it could lead to bigger problems for the team.
Coaching is not just about tactics and systems—it’s also about managing personalities. Roy’s style may be seen as old-school, but only time will tell if it works in this case.
Anthony Duclair’s decision to take time away from the New York Islanders shows how complex the relationship between players and coaches can be. While Roy’s comments may have been meant as motivation, they also risk damaging team chemistry.
With the team already struggling, both Roy and Duclair need to find common ground quickly. As Duclair reflects on his game and future with the team, fans can only hope that this situation turns into a comeback story instead of a bigger problem.
