Buffalo Sabres fans, what if I told you that a 20-year-old with great scoring capability might be available for a small price?
What if I told you that player was Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin?
Just a few days ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning assigned Drouin, in somewhat of a surprise move, to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. He’s registered eight points (2-6) in 19 games this season, after having put up 32 points (4-28) in 70 games last season.
Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, revealed just this month that he requested a trade from the Lightning way back in November – a move that the team clearly decided not to go through with, and months later, decided instead to ship the young forward to the American Hockey League instead, at least for the time being.
Below, find Walsh’s full statement:
"On behalf of Jonathan Drouin, I formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in November. 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, and 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."
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The situation overall speaks to some clear tension between Drouin and the Lightning, tension that isn’t new but has clearly been brewing since November.
And of course, as a result of Walsh’s statement, the rumors came abound and fans around the league were left to consider: could MY team trade for Drouin?
If the Lightning did decide to trade Drouin, there’s no reason the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t be a viable partner.
Drouin is signed thru end of the 2016-2017 season, and it’s expected that the asking price is high — but it could be one the Sabres could meet.
The Buffalo Sabres may not have a lot of roster players that the Lightning would be coveting, but as some have pointed out, if there’s one thing they do have, it’s draft picks.
Right now, the Buffalo Sabres have 11 draft picks in the upcoming 2016 NHL Entry Draft, being held right here in Buffalo.
No doubt there’d have to be other pieces involved, perhaps pieces like Tyler Ennis and/or Matt Moulson, prospects, etc., but is this an avenue the Buffalo Sabres should explore?
Absolutely.
Drouin wasn’t handled well in Tampa last season, not really playing consistently, only being used in 70 games and playing roughly 16 minutes each night, less than other less-stellar players on the team.
Imagine Drouin playing with the likes of Ryan O’Reilly, Evander Kane and Jack Eichel.
Oh, yes. Please.
What do you guys think? Vote in the poll below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Obviously we’re all just spitballing right now, as Tampa Bay has made no indication that it’s going to trade Drouin as he’s requested, and there’s no verifiable information regarding the Sabres’ potential interest in the young forward.
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But wouldn’t that be one heck of an addition to this Buffalo Sabres lineup?