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AHL demotion best move for Anthony Duclair, Coyotes

Sean Leahy
·Contributing writer
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Anthony Duclair #10 of the Arizona Coyotes during the preseason NHL game against Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena on October 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Anthony Duclair #10 of the Arizona Coyotes during the preseason NHL game against Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena on October 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

It’s a lost season for the Arizona Coyotes. Unable to build off the strides they made a year ago with an infusion of young talent, they’ve taken a step back this year and all eyes are pointing toward the draft lottery.

One of those young talents who enjoyed a solid 2015-16 season was Anthony Duclair, who netted 20 goals and 44 points in his rookie year. This season? Things haven’t gone as planned with three goals and nine points in 41 games. With those struggles, the Coyotes decided to try and get a piece of their future right by sending him to Tucson of the AHL.

“Anthony is a good young player,” said Coyotes GM John Chayka in a statement. “Unfortunately, he has struggled this season. We felt this was a good time to send him to Tucson to work on a few things and hopefully regain his scoring touch. We hope to have him rejoin our team soon.”

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The 21-year old Duclair will go from a losing environment to a winning one as he joins a Tucscon side that’s currently first in the AHL’s Pacific Division and second in the Western Conference.

The Coyotes have tried to get Duclair going this season to no avail. He’s been healthy scratched and moved in the lineup, so this move was the last option. In December, head coach Dave Tippett noted the forward wasn’t competing at a level that would help the team.

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Young players sometimes hit a wall in their development, especially in sophomore seasons when they’re coming off strong rookie campaigns. It happens, but this decision is best for the Coyotes and, most importantly, best for Duclair. He may very well be an NHL player for a long time, so there’s no need to rush things for him.

The Coyotes don’t have Stanley Cup dreams this season, but Duclair is a key part of their championship dreams of the future. Between Duclair, Max Domi, Dylan Strome and on, the franchise has tons of young talent. Now is the time to get them on the right path for sustained success.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!