Duclair takes another step toward returning to Panthers

Anthony Duclair has checked off another box in his recovery.
Yet to suit up this season after undergoing successful surgery to repair an Achilles tendon injury back in July, the speedy forward joined the Florida Panthers for their morning skate on Saturday.
Although he remains in a yellow no-contact jersey, this was a big step.
"First time with the full group," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "We're excited."

As far as next steps, Maurice said he hopes that Duclair will be able to return to practice as a full participant sometime before the Panthers break for the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend on Feb. 3-4.
"That way he knows how to train during the break," Maurice said.
Not joining the Panthers on their upcoming road trip through Buffalo, Toronto and Montreal, Duclair will remain in South Florida to train with veteran forward Patric Hornqvist, who has been working his way back from an upper-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Dec. 3.
"He's going to get more ice here," said Maurice, who also complimented Hornqvist's elite skills as a training partner. "As you look at our schedule, we're not going to get much ice up there."
Coming off a breakout season in which he set new career-highs in goals (31), assists (27) and points (58), Maurice is hopeful that Duclair will be able to return to the Panthers shortly after the break.
"There's a chance it could be before, but realistically we're thinking after," Maurice said.
As the Panthers continue their second-half climb, Duclair's return will be key.