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Last chance for Jonathan Drouin with the Habs?

All Buzznews

2022-10-02 12:38:38

Jonathan Drouin is still a player with a lot of potential. A first-round pick in 2013, Drouin had a bright future ahead of him.

Jonathan Drouin, at a crossroads

The Tampa Bay Lightning selected him 3rd overall, behind Nathan MacKinnon and Aleksander Barkov!

Jonathan Drouin at a crossroads

The difficulties then followed as time went on, so much so that to this day we wonder who the real field hockey player named Jonathan Drouin is.

Jonathan Drouin, at the crossroads

From 3rd overall in 2013, then, Drouin returns to the QMJHL with Halifax for one final season, where he scores 108 points in 46 games. He's ready for the NHL.

Jonathan Drouin at a crossroads

But Jonathan Drouin's debut was ultimately modest, with four goals and 32 points in 70 games in his rookie season.

Jonathan Drouin at the crossroads

The following year, he split his time between the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, building up a fragile confidence.

Jonathan Drouin at a crossroads

Drouin actually had a very good playoff run in 2016, with 5 goals and 14 points in 17 games.

Jonathan Drouin at the crossroads

The following season, Drouin continued to produce with more consistency: 21 goals and 53 points in 73 games.

Jonathan Drouin at the crossroads

Still in his early 20s, Drouin continues to improve.

Jonathan Drouin, at a crossroads

Then came June 15, 2017, when general manager Marc Bergevin announced a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Jonathan Drouin at a crossroads

Jonathan Drouin in Montreal, Mikhail Sergachev in Tampa. One on one with his counterpart Steve Yzerman.

Jonathan Drouin at a crossroads

Some have given the runner a chance, as Drouin likely has the potential to explode. But letting Sergachev go gave many observers cold feet, praising his qualities.