Jonathan Drouin Suspended By Lightning for Missing AHL Game
Jonathan Drouin Suspended By Lightning for Missing AHL Game
Jonathan Drouin and the Tampa Bay Lightning have become the story to follow in professional hockey. After requesting a trade over two weeks ago, Drouin continues to make questionable decisions based on his production and entry-level contract status. Drouin seems to be the first player to make such demands as an unproven player and his ludicrous actions seem to continue.
With a trade not done, Drouin and his agent Allan Walsh decided it was best to not participate in anymore AHL games for the Syracuse Crunch to prevent another injury. The following statement by Allan Walsh was tweeted by Renaud Lavoie of TVASports last night:
Allan Walsh statement on Jonathan Drouin pic.twitter.com/mBA4txQIJN
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 21, 2016
Drouin was subsequently suspended without pay by the Lightning and now awaits his departure from the franchise.
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Walsh and Drouin have already been openly criticized by other general managers in the NHL. Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray did not hide his feelings, basically ridiculing the idea of a trade request from a player on an entry-level contract. With that said, despite speculation, the Ducks are likely low-end candidates to land the disgruntled Drouin and other teams must be taking a step back after yesterday’s update.
Like Murray, other general managers must be questioning the maturity of the 20-year old. Drouin’s counterparts from the 2013 draft class have certainly taken a step forward in their careers. Nathan MacKinnon is a star for the Colorado Avalanche and Aleksander Barkov is becoming a go-to center for the Florida Panthers. Due to injury and lack of performance, Drouin has definitely slipped in terms of development and his decision to hold out only makes things worse.
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Mile High Sticking
The Syracuse Crunch are flirting with a playoff spot in the AHL Eastern Conference and his services could have helped. Several players have transitioned well to the NHL after a successful AHL campaign but it looks like Drouin believes he is above that. Evidently, not playing with his peers and having an active role at the NHL level has forced him to sit at home till it happens.
The level of confidence required to make such decisions is almost admirable on the part of Drouin and his agent. He has yet to have an impact on any NHL franchise but is acting like an entitled and immature player.
Whether Walsh’s hand is forcing Drouin entirely remains to be seen, but the young forward has to walk the walk and it is not an easy path from here on out.
Provided by Sportsnet, looking at the players who held out for a trade in the past makes one question the true legitimacy of this entire situation. Drouin is no where close to any of these players and it is truly remarkable that his has stemmed so far.
In the end, you have to side with the Lightning. In the beginning, it was easy to see why the young forward wanted out of Tampa Bay. Even when healthy, there is simply no room for him to operate with several young players on the roster. However, not willing to play for the Syracuse Crunch and holding out for a trade is simply unacceptable given his status in the NHL.
Next: Jonathan Drouin Would be Great Fit in Toronto
We all have to bite the bullet when it comes to employment but Drouin believes he deserves special treatment. Only time will tell if he is truly good enough to merit such demands.