Duclair wants to stay in Ottawa: 'I want to be a big part of this rebuild'

In the midst of a career-best season, Anthony Duclair, who's set to hit free agency this summer, is hoping he won't have to leave Ottawa.

"I just want to focus and really end the season on a positive note like I did last year," Duclair said at this weekend's All-Star Game, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "Really make a statement to the management and the coaching staff that I want to be a big part of this rebuild. I'm still a young guy."

Despite his desire to re-sign long term with the team, contract extension talks have yet to begin, Fox added.

Duclair, 24, was traded to the Ottawa Senators along with two draft picks at the trade deadline last year in exchange for Ryan Dzingel. After potting eight goals and 14 points in his 21-game run, he signed a one-year extension with the club. This season, he already has a career-high 21 goals and just participated in his first All-Star Game.

"When the change is gonna happen, when Ottawa's gonna become a contender, I want to be part of that," Duclair added. "So I'm working as hard as I can."

The Senators' offseason will be quite a busy one. Of the 20 skaters on their active roster, 13 of them, including Duclair, are set to become restricted or unrestricted free agents. Armed with two potential lottery picks and three picks in the second round in the upcoming draft, this summer can ultimately decide the future of the franchise.

Duclair, who leads the team in both goals and points, is putting together a strong case to make himself a viable piece for the Senators and will look to keep things rolling in the second half of the season.

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