Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning have suspended Jonathan Drouin without pay after failing to report to Syracuse’s game tonight against the Toronto Marlies.
Elliotte Friedman: Have been told that Drouin is at the Ricoh center tonight with the other Syracuse scratches. There must be a lot bubbling under the surface.
TSN: Statement by Jonathan Drouin’s agent Allen Walsh
“When the Tampa Bay Lightning assigned Jonathan Drouin to Syracuse it was explained the purpose of the assignment was twofold; (1) conditioning due to missed games from injury and (2) provide proof that he had completely recovered from his injury. Jonathan has now played seven games with Syracuse in the past (14) days.
A few days ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning advised that a trade involving Jonathan was moving closer to completion. We proposed to Tampa that Jonathan not play in the next few AHL games but continue practicing with the club to avoid any potential injury from preventing an imminent trade. Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay Lightning refused this reasonable request, however, Jonathan was not willing to accept this risk. We have been advised that the Tampa Bay Lightning has suspended Jonathan.
In light of the latest developments it is clearly in both sides best interests that the Tampa Bay Lightning trade Jonathan as there is no reason for Jonathan to continue with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in any capacity. We will have no further comment as we await the Tampa Bay Lightning to conclude a trade that involves Jonathan.”
Some thoughts from the media:
Brain Wilde: “MSL had an issue. Stamkos may have an issue. Clearly Drouin has an issue. 3 high profile guys. Interesting times in TB.”
Corey Hirsch: “On poor advice from an agent, I refused to go the AHL and was suspended. All It did was lose me money, and hurt my reputation.”
Jason Gregor: “Seems scripted by Drouin and is agent to sit out a game while in Toronto where they can garner most attention. Don’t see Yzerman rushing.”
James Mirtle: “And as expected it gets uglier. Time for this trade to happen.”
Rory Boylen: “What is Drouin (or more likely, his agent) doing? Unreal.”
Michael Augello: “Drouin escalating w/TB could harden Yzerman’s stance even more. If is perceived he is getting pushed around, it sets a bad precedent.”
Michael Augello: “Yzerman was looking to get equal value for Drouin, but that’s not happening now. Waiting until summer won’t increase the return much.”
Chris Nichols: Bob McKenzie: “trying to put some leverage on the #TBLightning to trade him, by making himself, effectively, a diminishing asset.”
