Anthony Duclair could be answer to Islanders’ top-line dilemma

When the Islanders acquired Bo Horvat ahead of the 2023 All-Star Game, it was obvious that he and Mathew Barzal would make up two-thirds of the top line for the foreseeable future.

Less obvious was who would make up the other third — and the answer to that question largely stumped Lane Lambert and Patrick Roy alike.

Seven different players have been tried alongside Horvat and Barzal over 86 games the two have played together: Anders Lee, Simon Holmstrom, Oliver Wahlstrom, Pierre Engvall, Josh Bailey, Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas, with Barzal shuttling from right wing to left wing as necessary.

Now, with Anthony Duclair coming into the fold, the Islanders can hope that particular issue is solved.

The 28-year-old Duclair, who inked a four-year, $14 million deal with the Islanders on July 1, is a proven scorer at five-on-five with ability to keep up with the likes of Barzal, whose own speed has presented a unique challenge to linemates past.

“I think my job is to bring some speed, some offense,” Duclair said over Zoom after signing. “I’m not sure who I’m gonna play with, but I think we have — just looking at the roster — a lot of good players up front, a lot of skill. I’m just looking forward to amplifying that forward group and doing the best I can each and every night.”

Whether it was spelled out to Duclair in the courting process, it would be a major surprise to see him start training camp anywhere but the top line, unless there’s another move up Lou Lamoriello’s sleeve.

When healthy, Duclair has regularly accounted for 20-plus goals despite not always being on the top power play unit.

It figures that, at least to start the season, Duclair will be on the second power play unit with the Islanders as well — though the top unit’s performance towards the end of last season does leave the door open to change — which sets the stage for that dynamic to continue.

It’s telling, too, that when Duclair was traded to the Lightning at the deadline last March, Tampa coach Jon Cooper immediately slotted him on the left side of a line with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov — a trio that produced a 57.16 expected goals percentage in 15 regular-season games together, per Evolving Hockey.

Duclair has played for eight different teams in his 10 seasons, starting with the Rangers in 2014-15, but he’s usually been in the top six.

With the Panthers, he often skated with Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe and Jonathan Huberdeau.

Before that, with the Senators, Duclair spent time on a line with Brady Tkachuk and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

“Pager’s an awesome dude, stayed in contact ever since we both left Ottawa,” Duclair said. “He’s a close friend of mine … very excited to be joining him again.”

Throughout his career, most of Duclair’s offensive impact has come around the net and in the low slot — last season, 14 of his goals came from those areas, which ranked in the 85th percentile league-wide, per NHL Edge.

That should fit well with a duo in Barzal and Horvat that has found its best success with the likes of Cizikas and Lee — players who excel at getting to dirty areas and can make an impact in front.

The added element of Duclair’s speed — he was in the 93rd percentile last season in top skating speed and the 95th in 22-plus mph bursts, per NHL Edge — could be the missing piece alongside two players who are always quick up the ice.

“Obviously moved around these last couple years. I think at this stage of my career and my life, I just wanted a little more stability,” Duclair said. “Try to find a home for a little bit. I’m glad that Lou gave me that vote of confidence. Just looking forward to getting started, moving back to New York.”