Duclair discusses 'dirty' Marchand hit in return to ice
Anthony Duclair was back on the ice Friday, and he had some words for the man who sidelined him.
The Chicago Blackhawks forward has missed the last 11 games due to a lower-body injury after colliding with Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand.
Marchand was whistled for interference but didn't face supplemental discipline.
Count Duclair among those surprised the Bruins winger, who was suspended five games earlier this season, didn't get a call from the league.
"Everyone is going to have their own opinion," Duclair told Scott Powers of The Athletic. "At the same time, everyone knows his track record and he tends to do it.
"But sometimes, I don't know what happens, but he tends to do some dirty, dirty hits out there. I think it was pretty dirty, to be honest with you. He did reach out to me after, but I'm out for the rest of the year. I don't know what's going to happen in the future, hopefully I come back, but I thought it was pretty dirty."
It's not the first time this season Marchand has avoided suspension. Many thought he'd miss a few games following a recent cross-check to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald. He was ultimately fined $5,000.
Last month, New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson echoed similar comments to Duclair's after he missed 31 games and suffered a concussion courtesy of a Marchand elbow. Johansson called the hit "stupid" and warned that the winger could cause a career-ending injury if he doesn't change his style of play.
As for Duclair, who was initially expected to miss one-to-two weeks but has seen that timetable pushed back as he continues his recovery, he's hopeful to re-sign with Chicago and have the chance to show his offensive game.
The Blackhawks acquired him from the Arizona Coyotes in January, but injuries have limited him to just 23 appearances and eight points.
"I think next year will be sort of a different look and more of a full team," Duclair said. "I'd definitely love to be a part of the future."