Anthony Duclair: Prospect Profile for New York Rangers' 3rd-Round Pick

Player: Anthony Duclair

Drafted By: New York Rangers (80th overall)

Position: Left Wing

Final Central Scouting Ranking: No. 57 North American skater

Height/Weight: 5’11'', 177 lbs

DOB: August 26, 1995 (17 years old)

Most Recent Affiliation: QMJHL, Quebec Remparts 

Background

Anthony Duclair is an energetic and dynamic scorer who dropped in CSS’s rankings, but he is still a player to keep an eye on in the future. Duclair averaged over a point per game as a 16-year-old last season, and he had similar success at a slower pace in 2012-13.

Duclair finished the year with only 50 points in 55 games, and he will look to improve upon that next season. Although his pace dropped, it must be understood that he is only 17 years old and the best is yet to come.

Full Scouting Report

With Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts, Duclair used his speed, hands and creativity to generate scoring. Duclair is one of the fastest skaters in the QMJHL, and he uses this to create space for scoring chances and attempt to set up his teammates.

He is a solid offensive player, but consistency and commitment to the defensive side of the game is something he needs to work on going forward.

The Scouting Report was generally pleased with Duclair, but here is what they had to say about him before the draft.

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Explosive winger with electrifying speed… Is most effective when the defense can get him the puck in opportune situations… Has a good release and accurate shot which he can use at top speed…Hasn’t quite taken the next step this year…Needs to play a more effective overall game.

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While Duclair’s 2012-13 season could be looked at as a step backward, he is still young and has already illustrated that he has some skill.

NHL Player Comparison

Cory Conacher of the Ottawa Senators. Duclair is an offensively charged forward who uses foot speed and agility to his advantage, but lack of size could prevent him from reaching his full potential.

NHL Timetable

Duclair had a down year with the Remparts, and it would be wise for him to make his NHL debut at the start of the 2015-16 season. He needs time to develop and fine-tune his game, so a year in junior and a year in the AHL makes sense.

Top-End Potential

Duclair has skill, passion and speed, but he doesn’t have size. He is very elusive and effective in junior, but he may not be as effective when he is dealing with physical forwards every night. At his peak, he can be a second-line scoring forward who also contributes on the power play.