Today, Allan Walsh the agent for prospect forward Jonathan Drouin of the Tampa Bay Lightning, revealed via a statement released to the media that he demanded the Tampa Bay Lightning management a trade for his client. This demand was made public today, but the demand was made by Walsh for his client back in November. The reason for the demand aren’t really cleared but has to do with Drouin lack of playing time with Tamp Bay.
“On behalf of Jonathan Drouin, I formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in November,” Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, said in a statement released to media. “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.”
I’m mid-flight en route to Calgary today, but agent for Jonathan Drouin released a statement today saying they have requested a trade
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) January 3, 2016
Jonathan Drouin sent down to the Syracuse Crunch
Drouin was the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3rd choice overall selection at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Today Jonathan Drouin was demoted to the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bay AHL’s affiliate. In 19 games this season, Drouin has cumulated 2 goals and six assists for eight points, he has been sidelined a few games due to nagging injuries. According to general manager, Steve Yzerman, Drouin is now healed and will need quality playing time to regain his game shape and his timing.
“(Drouin) has played in nine games in the last nine weeks,” Yzerman said. “He’s been dealing with a minor nagging issue that is finally healed. With everyone coming back at the same time, it’s a good opportunity to get a young player a lot of ice time, get his game right back on top and bring him back at the appropriate time.”
“We have a reason for doing it and I believe in the reasons for doing it,” Yzerman said. “Jonathan expressed to me he understands the reasons for it.”
Seen to be the perfect linemate with Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Drouin has had some difficulties earning a regular playing spot on the top line as well as contributing offensively. He missed training camp last season with a fractured thumb and spent some time in the AHL at that time for reconditioning purposes. In 70 games played, he recorded 4 goals ad 28 assists with the Lightning. This time, his demotion to the Crunch is not seen as a reconditioning phase. Many reporters covering the Lightning described Drouin as very frustrated with the “sent-down”. He didn’t need to clear waivers.
“We have a reason for doing it and I believe in the reasons for doing it,” Yzerman said. “Jonathan expressed to me he understands the reasons for it.”
It is believed that Steve Yzerman will get a lot of calls for his prospect left winger. Any teams would like to put their hands on raw talent like Jonathan Drouin. Some rumors have also circulated that Drouin and head coach John Cooper are not always on the same page and that may be another reason why Drouin was sent to the Syracuse Crunch.
As specified by Erik Erlendsson in his tweet, who covers the Lightning, a request doesn’t mean necessarily that a trade is imminent. A request is just that, a request and its is expected both sides will need to work things out if Tampa Bay wants to hold on to Jonathan Drouin. If not, this could make the trade deadline interesting.
