Dark Horse Team Could Be Interested In Sharks' Duclair

The San Jose Sharks’ most valuable trade asset is arguably Anthony Duclair. The New York Islanders could be a team to keep an eye on as a team to be interested in acquiring the speedy winger.

Stefen Rosner, the Islanders Team Site Editor with The Hockey News, says a swap with Duclair for Oliver Wahlstrom could work nicely for both sides.

Wahlstrom has struggled to get a secure spot in the top-six, let alone the lineup this season. He was coming off ACL surgery and worked to stay in the lineup. Under new head coach Patrick Roy, Wahlstrom has played well but hasn’t been able to continue his development fully due to his spot in the lineup.

Drafted 11th overall in 2018, the 23-year-old has two goals and four assists in 30 games this season. Like Duclair, a change of scenery could benefit both sides.

The winger looked like he took a step forward last season with 16 points in 35 games, but then came the injury. He was getting time on the Islanders’ top powerplay and in the top-six forward group. Now, he can barely stay in the lineup.

This makes sense for the Sharks because they will be getting a once highly thought-of prospect and possibly a mid-round draft pick in return for a player who hasn’t quite fit in with head coach David Quinn’s style.

“Duclair will likely be on the move, and if the Islanders wanted to allow Wahlstrom to spread his wings and be a top-six player, the Sharks are likely interested in bringing on a young forward, given their rebuild status,” Rosner writes.

Duclair has also had Roy as a head coach before. While playing for the Quebec Ramparts, Roy was behind the bench. During the 2013-14 season, Duclair scored 99 points (50 goals, 49 assists) and was named an alternate captain.

The Islanders sit five points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but with how their roster is set up, they will likely be buyers at the trade deadline.

If the Sharks get a high draft pick, maybe even a second-round pick with a condition to make it a first-round pick, it has a chance to hit big.

Duclair’s 11 goals are far off the career high of 31 he set with the Florida Panthers in the 2021-22 season. The Islanders can likely get more out of Duclair in a middle-six forward role, meaning he wouldn’t go against the top defense pairs every night.

Even a Wahlstrom for Duclair straight swap could do the trick for Sharks GM Mike Grier. Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello keeps his cards close to his chest regarding deadline acquisitions.

Wahlstrom and Duclair likely would get a much-needed boost with an opportunity for playoff hockey for Duclair and a top-six role for Wahlstrom.

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