Seven weeks off didn’t prevent Jonathan Drouin from getting back on the scoresheet in his return to action on Friday night. The 20-year-old picked up an assist and three shots on goal in Syracuse’s 5-2 win over Bridgeport.
“I thought it was good,” Drouin said, per NHL.com. “I just played simple in the beginning. I hadn’t played in a while, so I was a little rusty, my legs were getting a little heavy at one point. But as the game went on I thought I was better and better.
“It’s just getting back into it, getting that feeling back when you get the puck, stuff like that. I’m sure it’s going to be better tomorrow as well.”
To see how he picked up his assist, click here.
Drouin decided to return to the organization after leaving the team on Jan. 18. He attempted to force his way out of Tampa Bay, but General Manager Steve Yzerman didn’t blink. Instead of continuing his holdout, Drouin decided to swallow his pride and return to the AHL where he’ll try to earn a call up to the NHL.
He has two goals and four points in eight games with AHL Syracuse.