The NHL is all about making tough decisions, and on Saturday, the Lightning had to make one.
With Ondrej Palat ready to return, the Bolts have assigned former third overall pick Jonathan Drouin to the AHL.
Just passed by a very unhappy looking Jonathan Drouin who said he is on his way to @SyracuseCrunch #TBLightning #SyrCrunch
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) January 2, 2016
The main reason Drouin is the one heading down to Syracuse is because he doesn’t need to clear waivers.
Jonathan Marchessault, who usually bounces between the NHL and AHL, has been playing too well for Tampa Bay to risk losing him for nothing.
With Palat back, #TBLightning had 14 healthy forwards. While Marchessault needing to clear waivers to go down, Drouin doesn't
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) January 2, 2016
Palat has been out with a lower-body injury for 20 of his team’s last 22 games, including each of their last eight contests.
His return means that the triplets will be reunited.
Palat with Triplets linemates Johnson and Palat. Could return tonight for #TBLightning
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) January 2, 2016