NHL: Top 10 scapegoats heading into the 2019-20 season
By Ryan Poirier
10. Jonathan Drouin
Age: 24
Contract duration: Six years, $33 Million (becomes UFA in 2023-24)
2018-19 stats: 81 games, 53 points
Many of the players on this list have become the fans’ scapegoat because they have hindered the franchise in some way. Be it their age or their burdening contract, but Jonathan Drouin’s case is different.
Not only is he young with plenty of room to grow, the 24-year-old’s contract at $5.5 Million a year, per Spotrac, is actually great value for the Montreal Canadians. It’s Drouin’s inability to hit that next level, however, that has caused fans to become agitated with the former third overall draft pick.
After a four-point night versus the Maple Leafs on February 7th, Drouin’s productive season came to a screeching halt. Out of the 26 remaining games, he was held off the scoresheet for 23 of them.
Though there’s plenty of time for the young centreman to grow, his disappearance down the stretch will be what Habs’ fans remember from last season.
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9. David Backes
Age: 35
Contract duration: Five years, $30 Million (becomes UFA in 2021-22)
2018-19 stats: 70 games, 20 points
In David Backes’ 13-year career, he has become a fan favorite for his relentless style of play. The physicality that he brings to the game along with 100% effort every night has earned him a serious amount of respect on the ice as well.
However, when Backes signed a five-year $30 million deal with the Boston Bruins in 2016, it was apparent that his career was on the decline. The now 35-year old has 2 years left on his contract and when it comes to the emerging young talent that the Bruins roster is filled with, Backes sticks out like a sore thumb.
En route to an epic 7-game series in the Stanley Cup Final against his former team, Backes spent much of that time on the bench and in the press box. Though at one point, sitting Backes out in such a game would be unheard of, it’s evident that the Bruins don’t exercise a lot of confidence in him at this point of his career. And for the Bruins’ fans, his contract only serves as a detriment.