The reassignment of Jonathan Drouin to the AHL has set off a storm. A revelation has played out by way of his agent, Allan Walsh, that Drouin wants out from the Tampa Bay Lightning:
A statement from Jonathan Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh regarding his client’s future in TB: pic.twitter.com/Vhwet1IpTW
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 3, 2016
The original trade request played out in November, but unhappiness from Walsh for his client had already been voiced in the past because of his client not getting full time duties with the Lightning, playing top-line minutes / relied upon.
All of this seems to be a shot at the Lightning’s developmental plan for Drouin, which can be seen as a contradiction of sorts — you don’t normally see a slow honing of a players skills by a team that selected him at the top of a deep draft class. That’s how it’s played out sinc Drouin’s 2013 draft selection at #3 overall – being sent back to juniors for 2013-14 and lower-line minutes and role playing during his first pro season last year. That process led to Drouin being scratched for much of the Lightning’s 2015 Stanley Cup playoff run.
This is roster drama to further compliment drama already playing out by way or the Steven Stamkos contract extension talks that have not born fruit yet. It is also the second time a high profile player has asked out of Tampa Bay during Steve Yzerman’s time in Tampa. Martin St. Louis requested a trade during the 2013-14 season.
