Jonathan Drouin Trade Rumors: Potential Suitors
By Ryan Ritchie
Jonathan Drouin Trade Rumors: Agent Asked for Trade in November
Jonathan Drouin trade rumors are beginning to swirl around the hockey world, the news broke via Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh. The story broke on Sunday afternoon on NHL.com, which can be found here.
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Drouin has eight points in 19 games in 2015-16 with Tampa Bay. He was drafted third overall in 2013 as a CHL superstar, claiming several highlight reels goals leading into his draft year.
Tampa Bay sent Jonathan Drouin to AHL affiliate Syracuse on Saturday. Clearly the demotion isn’t being received well from Drouin’s camp.
"Allan Walsh via NHL.com,“On behalf of Jonathan Drouin, I formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in November,” agent Allan Walsh said in a statement. “We have not said one word about this untenable situation publicly until today. It’s in everyone’s best interests that Jonathan be allowed to move on and play hockey.”“Let’s be clear, Jonathan loves playing for the fans in Tampa, he loves his teammates and many people within the Lightning organization have treated him well. It was his sincere intention to play in Tampa for many years.”"
Drouin battles health concerns early into his NHL career, and has struggled to claim full-time top six duties in Tampa Bay. The adjustment to pro-hockey has been frustratingly slow for the former QMJHL star, but the talent is there to be a productive NHL’er. Perhaps this one of those rare scenarios where a change of scenery would be best for both the player and team.
He’s still got two years left on his contract, carrying a $894,166 dollar cap hit. Tampa Bay carries roughly $2,112,498 million dollars in cap space, suggesting they could absorb around $3 million dollars at most. The Lightning may be wise to package another player with salary to open up additional options to make a deal work.
Jonathan Drouin Trade Rumors: Exploring Potential Trade Suitors
Ideally when exploring potential trade partners, finding which teams might be interested is key. However, in these rare scenarios with young high-end talent, there’s usually around 29 other teams that would love to have that type of player. Instead, we’ll explore which teams have both a positional fit for Drouin, as well, the assets to acquire him.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumors in Anaheim suggest they’re actively looking to add. Drouin would look awfully nice alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. They may have to sacrifice a player such as Cam Fowler, Nick Ritchie, or Shea Theodore to acquire him, but it’s worth consideration.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The target would be Ryan Johansen, and the only way Columbus makes this deal is if Tampa Bay includes a defenseman of their liking. It may even cost an extra prospect or draft pick on Tampa’s part.
Florida Panthers
This would be an odd divisional inter-state trade that is unlikely. However, Florida has a wealth of young talent that may interest GM Steve Yzerman. The Panthers need to add now to capitalize on this year’s success. Team record and profit go hand-in-hand for Florida, suggesting they could be major buyers at the trade deadline this year.
Los Angeles Kings
Targets on Los Angeles would include Tanner Pearson, Adrian Kempe, Jake Muzzin, and Alec Martinez. Kings Captain Dustin Brown is no longer capable of providing stability as a top six forward, leaving a gaping void in the Kings lineup. Drouin would help fill that hole.
Montreal Canadiens
What would Jonathan Drouin trade rumors be without a link to his home province. Born in Ste-Agathe, Quebec, Drouin spent his CHL career with QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. If Montreal would be willing to sacrifice Nikita Scherbak, Jacob de la Rose, Noah Juulsen, or a young talented trade chip along those lines, then a trade is possible.
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Nashville Predators
The Preds have decent depth at left-wing, so they’d likely have to sacrifice one of Colin Wilson or Kevin Fiala in a deal that also includes a defenseman. Nashville is rumored to be looking for a top six forward, so perhaps Drouin is the answer.
Ottawa Senators
Another team in need of an additional top six forward. The Sens might have to sacrifice Nick Paul, Colin White, or Thomas Chabot to make a trade work.
San Jose Sharks
Aging veterans Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton‘s time in San Jose is quickly expiring. The Sharks could use extra talent up the left side. Drouin would be an upgrade long-term on Melker Karlsson, Matt Nieto, and Nikolay Goldobin. A deal could be had if Tampa were to package an NHL defenseman with Drouin.
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Realistically, there’s 29 other teams that would interested in this 20-year-old talented winger. Even a young rebuilding team like Toronto or Buffalo would have reason to inquire on the asking price. Just don’t be surprised if he isn’t moved. It’s unlikely any team will pay what Tampa Bay believes his value to be.
To put it in perspective, Drouin was drafted in the same spot as Matt Duchene and Jonathan Huberdeau. Drouin arguably had a better junior career than both, and was touted by scouts as a better talent. The only reason he slid to third was because of a draft class headlined by junior phenom Nathan MacKinnon, and European standout Aleksander Barkov. The Tampa Bay Lightning still see Jonathan Drouin for his potential. The potential says he can outscore Jonathan Huberdeau or Matt Duchene in a single-season, and possibly long-term year-after-year moving forward. The 29 other teams calling don’t necessarily look at Drouin the same way. Those clubs look at Drouin and see a young guy battling health problems with limited NHL experience. Finding a team to overpay is likely the only way we see Jonathan Drouin trade rumors come to fruition.