Anthony Duclair exits with apparent leg injury in Islanders scare

Anthony Duclair was the biggest import of the summer for the Islanders. But now it’s a question how much they’ll see him this fall.

Duclair was helped off the ice early in the third period of Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens, not putting any weight on his right leg after getting twisted up and falling awkwardly.

There was no update on his status after the game.

“I didn’t see anything because the puck was coming in our zone,” coach Patrick Roy said. “I was a little surprised to see him down. I’m sure we’ll have updates for tomorrow.”

Duclair, who signed a four-year, $14 million deal this offseason, has dealt with injuries in the past, playing just 20 games in 2022-23 with the Panthers after hurting his left Achilles in the offseason and undergoing surgery.

The veteran winger was brought in to complete the Islanders top line with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat — a trio that had already produced over the first handful of games this season.

Duclair had scored twice and added an assist himself, with his first goal coming in the first period on opening night, seeming to herald success.

Should Duclair miss any extended time, it would be a major blow to the Islanders, who used Simon Holmstrom on the top line for the rest of the game in Duclair’s absence.

“Obviously you never like seeing a teammate on the ice laying there and he’s such a big part of our team,” Noah Dobson said. “Hopefully, he’s OK. It’s tough to see that. You never want to see anyone get injured, especially your teammates.”

Julien Gauthier slotted in on the fourth line for Oliver Wahlstrom, a decision Roy said was more about getting Gauthier ice time than Wahlstrom’s performance. The fourth line produced three shots with five against over 6:19 on the ice together, per Natural Stat Trick.

The Islanders snapped an 0-for-9 drought on the power play with their first chance of the game, but then went scoreless on five straight, including a four-on-three chance in overtime that saw them hit the post twice.

“They were fronting, so we need to find those seams and throw pucks at the net instead of holding and waiting,” Roy said. “They’re playing tight, so I think we’re trying to force plays, maybe, too much. Just keep it simple and find a way to get the rebound.”