Florida Panthers news: Anthony Duclair set to make his long awaited return from injury

Florida Panthers star forward Anthony Duclair is set to make his return to the lineup tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

Duclair was left out of the team and had to miss the majority of the 2022-23 season due to Achilles tendon surgery he had during the offseason. The Panthers confirmed his return with a video posted on their official Twitter handle.

"Let's make it official! The Duke is BACK"- Florida Panthers

Duclair's fitness was initially questioned, and it was entirely dependent on how he felt after a couple of sessions. However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that Duclair is set to return to the rink after a lengthy recovery from an Achilles tear.

Paul Maurice, the head coach of the Panthers, spoke to the media and provided an update on Duclair's return.

Maurice said:

"He’s been going hard for a while and he has been out of the gold (non-contact) jersey for a while, so he looks like he is ready to go.

He further added:

"We won’t take him off LTIR until after the morning skate of the next game (Friday), but our expectation is that he will be ready to play."

Anthony Duclair will play his first game of the 2022-23 NHL season tonight, and the news of his return has already delighted Panthers fans.

Anthony Duclair's NHL journey

Anthony Duclair began his NHL career with the New York Rangers after being selected 80th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Duclair has worn the jerseys of several teams during his 10 years in the NHL.

The teams he has played for include the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers. Duclair has played 470 games in the NHL and has collected 252 points (120 goals and 132 assists).

During the 2021-22 season, he had his best season in the NHL. Duclair had 58 points (31 goals and 27 assists) in 74 games during that campaign.

Florida Panthers' 2022-23 NHL campaign so far

With 64 points, the Panthers are currently fourth in the Atlantic Division. The team's chances of making the playoffs will be difficult, as four teams are in contention for a second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Florida Panthers will host the Buffalo Sabres at the FLA Live Arena tonight. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm ET.