On the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jonathan Drouin …
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning: Forward Jonathan Drouin formally asked for a trade back in November. A statement for Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh.
“On behalf of Jonathan Drouin, I formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in November. 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.”
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman hasn’t been reached for comment yet. Drouin was recently assigned to the AHL. He’s been battling injuries for part of the season, only getting into 19 games. His demotion to the AHL was to get him some playing time.
“We take everything into account,” Yzerman said. “But we have a reason for doing it, and I believe in the reasons for doing it. Jonathan expressed to me he understands the reasons for it. So again, we want our players to succeed, and we want them to play well and put them in best position to succeed. And I believe this helps that.”
Drouin has one year left on his entry-level deal.
- Joe Smith: Drouin won’t be in the Syracuse lineup today. He is scheduled to join the team on Tuesday.
- Dean Brown: “With almost every GM stating he’s looking for a top 6 forward, there should be about 3 thousand Drouin trade rumors by Tuesday.”
- Jim Matheson: “My guess is the teams that badly wanted to draft Drouin in 2013 will be all over his trade request.”
- Joe Yerdon: “Looking at the deals for Niederreiter and Turris, you’re basically looking at a roster player and a not-first-round pick. Nino was traded for Cal Clutterbuck and a third and Turris was traded for David Rundblad and a second. Like Drouin, Turris was also a No. 3 pick in the draft. Not saying that’s what Drouin’s price will be, but that’s where the bar is.”
- Eklund of Hockey Buzz: The Lightning talked Panthers last year about Drouin. Teams that have been linked to Drouin this year include the Coyotes, Senators, Canadiens and Predators. Can add the Blues to this years list.