Trying to play in the NHL with a torn groin is next to impossible. Just ask former New York Rangers forward Anthony Duclair. He tried to do just that in what turned out to be a disastrous first season with the New York Islanders in 2024-25.
Duclair signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Rangers archrival last summer, only to tear his groin against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 19, the fifth game of the season. The original timeline for his return was 4-6 weeks, but the reality was a lot worse. Duclair didn’t return until Dec.