Jonathan Drouin suspended by Lightning for failing to report to AHL game
The Tampa Bay Lightning have suspended Jonathan Drouin indefinitely for failing to report to the AHL Syracuse Crunch's Wednesday night game against the Toronto Marlies.
Shortly after Drouin's suspension, his agent, Allan Walsh, released the following statement.
Allan Walsh statement on Jonathan Drouin pic.twitter.com/mBA4txQIJN
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 21, 2016
Earlier this month, Walsh released a statement saying Drouin had requested a trade from Tampa Bay.
This is essentially the nuclear option for Drouin. On an entry-level contract and a high-end NHL prospect, the Lightning aren't necessarily forced to rush a trade right away. But the relationship between Drouin and Tampa Bay is quite clearly becoming stale.
Several teams have expressed interest for Drouin, including the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.
This most recent update in the Drouin saga suggests Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman must get Drouin out of Tampa Bay as quickly as possible.
Drouin has two goals and six assists in 19 games this season with the Lightning. Drouin was selected with the third-overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft following a 105-point season of junior hockey with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL.
Tommy Chalk writes about the NHL and NFL for FOX Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_Chalk.
