New York Islanders announced that another forward would be out for 6 to 8 weeks following a lower-body injury

On October 24th, the New York Islanders announced that a forward would be out for four to six weeks following a lower-body injury. A few days prior, the club had indicated that the injury would be long-term, but the specifics have now been confirmed.

The team has faced a major setback in its offensive lineup due to this injury. After joining the Islanders in the offseason, the player quickly became an integral part of the team’s attack.

In the early part of the season, he scored two goals and recorded an assist in just five games. Playing on the right wing, his offensive skills complemented stars Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat effectively. He also contributed to the power play, making his absence a significant loss for the veteran squad.

Originally drafted 80th overall in the 2013 draft by the New York Rangers, he has had a varied career across several teams. A former 30-goal scorer, he has played for nine different franchises since making his NHL debut. His history of three 20-goal seasons made him an appealing acquisition for the Islanders in hopes of bolstering their scoring capabilities.

What This Means for the Islanders
In a season where the Islanders aimed to qualify for the playoffs, losing a key offensive player early on presents a considerable challenge. While the incident against Montreal looked concerning, a recovery timeline of four to six weeks is somewhat reassuring. Nevertheless, the team will certainly miss his contribution during the initial phase of the season.

With his absence, Barzal and Horvat will need to develop chemistry with other forwards on the roster. Both have only recorded three points each in their first six games, an area that must improve for the aging Islanders to achieve success. Simon Holmstrom, a former first-round pick from 2019, is a young forward poised to get an opportunity alongside Barzal and Horvat on the top line. Holmstrom has demonstrated glimpses of offensive potential and will have the chance to showcase his skills with these talented players during this period.

The injured player is Anthony Duclair.