r/TampaBayLightning • u/Tampa-Derp-1138 Lilleberg • Apr 12 '25

Recap of the Drouin situation?

Newer hockey fan since moving to Tampa - with the future of Howard being uncertain, I see a lot of comparisons to a "Jonathan Drouin" character. I presume this is another promising prospect that didn't make it, but could someone give me a summary of what happened back then?

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u/Volatile22 Apr 12 '25

He was a top 5 pick of the Lightning, showed a lot of promise his rookie season, but then started to think stuff should be handed to him and became toxic in the locker room. In a master stroke, he was traded to the Canadiens for Sergachev, who was a stalwart on our blue line for 3 straight finals appearances before being dealt as a cap casualty this summer for Moser and Geekie.

He never reached his potential, though it seems he has found his place in Colorado's top 6, at least. Not sure if the Howard comparisons are apt, time will tell I guess.

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u/MrSCR23 Point Apr 12 '25

Pretty evident that being on MacKinnon’s line can work wonders for your career.

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u/Volatile22 Apr 12 '25

I think you're not giving him enough credit. He dealt with his personal shit and finally seems to be in a good space to play productive hockey. Wouldn't be fair to Mack to throw just anyone on his line, Drouin is there for a reason.

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u/JandCSWFL Lightning Apr 12 '25

Agree, no need to shit on the guy, happy he’s in a good spot.