Anthony Duclair signed a four-year contract with the New York Islanders on Monday. Financial terms were not released.
"I'm looking forward to it very much," Duclair said. "Ever since I've been in the league, you can tell just playing against these guys they're very tight off the ice. I know there's a bunch of guys in that locker room that have been there for a long time, and you have the core players in there. It's a very family-like style, which I absolutely love. Just talking to [Jean-Gabriel Pageau] about it today, they treat the boys very well and are very family-oriented. So I'm definitely gonna fit in really nicely with that. And just looking forward to it. I don't know much about the area, to be honest, but I'm definitely gonna be doing my research and getting there a little bit before training camp to familiarize myself with that for sure."
The 28-year-old forward had 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) in 73 regular-season games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks last season, including 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 17 games after he was acquired by the Lightning in a trade with the Sharks on March 7.
"I think my job is to bring some speed, some offense, and, like I said, I'm not sure who I'm gonna play with, but, I think, we have just looking at the roster, a lot of good players up front and a lot of skill," Duclair said. "I'm just looking forward to amplifying that forward group and doing the best I can each and every night."
Duclair played junior hockey for Islanders coach Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts.
"I think we all know my connection with Pat," Duclair said. "And Pat was a big reason for me coming to the Island. He gave me a call this morning and told me that he wanted me. When your coach calls you and tells you he wants you on your team, it's hard to say no, especially when it's Pat. It's someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. I know him very well, and his family very well. I played for him. I know what to expect. So, I think it was a great fit in that perspective. And obviously, like you mentioned, with Bo [Horvat] and [Mathew Barzal] -- those two exceptional players --I'm looking forward to joining this forward group. Whoever I play with, I think I'm going to be in good hands."
Duclair had two assists in five Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Selected by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Duclair has 303 points (146 goals, 157 assists) in 563 regular-season games for the Lightning, Sharks, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes and Rangers and 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 39 playoff games.
"I think that, at this stage of my career and my life, I just wanted a little bit more stability, trying to find a home for a little bit," Duclair said. "And I'm glad that [Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello] gave me that vote of confidence. And just looking forward to getting started and moving back to New York."
Also on Monday, New York signed defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year contract.
The 30-year-old had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 61 games for the Islanders and Panthers last season, including two points (one goal, one assist) in five playoff games.
Selected by Columbus in the fourth round (No. 98) of the 2011 NHL Draft, Reilly has 122 points (18 goals, 104 assists) in 400 regular-season games for the Islanders, Panthers, Boston Bruins, Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild and six points (one goal, five assists) in 21 playoff games.
