NHL: Panthers’ Anthony Duclair has Achilles surgery, Jets to hire Rick Bowness, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Anthony Duclair of the Florida Panthers injured his Achilles tendon while offseason training. On Saturday, the the team announced that he is expected to miss the start of the season and is looking at a midseason return.
Duclair, 26, registered 31 goals and 58 points during the 2021-22 season. He’s entering the second year of a 3-year deal he brokered himself back in 2019 for $3 million per season.
This is Duclair’s second year in Florida after signing a 1-year deal with them back in 2019-20. He’s played 470 games in his NHL career with the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators and Panthers amassing 252 points.
Rick Bowness set to coach Winnipeg Jets
Rick Bowness and the Winnipeg Jets are finalizing a new deal for him to become their next head coach. TSN reporter Darren Dreger broke the story on Friday.
After being unable to secure Barry Trotz, who has decided not to coach for the upcoming season, they turned to another veteran bench boss.
Bowness, 67, stepped down as head coach of the Dallas Stars on May 20 after leading the team to a wild card this past season and a Stanley Cup Final back in 2019-20.
“After careful consideration with my wife Judy, we feel it’s best to step away and allow the organization the opportunity to pursue a different direction at the head coaching position,” Bowness said in a statement. “I’d like to thank all the passionate fans and the dedicated staff for their support and hard work in my time here. It has been an honor for me, and my family, to represent the Stars and the city of Dallas.”
He will now take over for interim coach Dave Lowry who replaced Paul Maurice (now with the Florida Panthers) back in December.
For his career as a head coach, Bowness has a 212-351-28 record. No coach has more games behind the bench (2,562) for more regular season games as either a head coach or an assistant.
Flyers prospect detained in Russia
Philadelphia Flyers goalie prospect Ivan Fedotov has reportedly been detained in Russia for evading military service. According to Bill Meltzer, who covers the Flyers for NHL.com the team is investigating the situation.