Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

One of the most memorable CHL stars in recent history, Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin was taken 3rd overall back in 2013 from QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. He topped 100 points (105, 108) in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Most players of his stature can walk into an organization and be an instantaneous core piece assuming a big role. This wasn’t the case in Tampa Bay who became competitive in a hurry with breakout performances from players such as Ben Bishop, Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, and Ondrej Palat.

Jonathan Drouin was forced to earn minutes and time with the big club. It makes sense for the former CHL star to be upset. How many players of his caliber are forced into the Barry Melrose treatment?

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Let’s not forget that signs point to several players not seeing eye-to-eye with Lightning coach Jon Cooper. If Drouin doesn’t want to be in a situation detrimental to his development and overall career – he should have that option.

Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin appeared in 70 games as a rookie in 2014-15, tallying four goals, 28 asists (32 points). He also appeared in two games for AHL Syracuse, posting three points. Drouin was often scratched during Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup Final run, only suiting up for six games.

In 2015-16, Drouin had two goals, six assists (eight points) in 19 games with Tampa Bay. He also posted three points in seven games with Syracuse. As we know, two games into his AHL demotion, Jonathan Drouin opted to take a flight home to Ste-Agathe, Quebec. He’s since skating in Montreal – said to be in NHL ready shape.

via Sportsnet,

But if 3 p.m., ET passes Monday without a Drouin deal finalized, that doesn’t restrict the winger from being dealt during what’s left of the 2015-16 campaign, and it may actually land Yzerman a better haul if he’s negotiating with a non-playoff-bound rival.

The obvious snag for a March trade is that players acquired in post-deadline trades are not eligible for the playoffs.

Yzerman wants a body that can shore up his defence and/or help his 24th-ranked power play, which is operating at a confounding 17.5 per cent success rate, but not all of the reported 15 or so teams kicking tires on Drouin are playoff-bound.

“I definitely prefer to deal him sooner than later. It would be better for everyone,” Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times Wednesday. “A lot of things factor into it when making the trade, a lot of things to consider here. But No. 1 is, ‘Can I do something involving Jonathan that benefits the team that makes us better right now that helps us for the playoffs?’ I’d certainly like to do that.”

Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin still has two years left on his contract, carrying an annual cap hit of $894,166.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline: 5 Questions Heading into Monday

Best Fits:

Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Hypothetical Trade:

Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin, F Brian Boyle, and a 2016 1st Round Pick to Toronto in exchange for D Jake Gardiner, F Peter Holland, and a 2016 3rd Round Pick