Another twist in the Jonathan Drouin situation.
On Wednesday, AHL Syracuse announced that Drouin would be held out of tonight’s game against Utica after he missed this morning’s pre-practice team meeting.
More, from Syracuse Hockey:
Drouin said he had an alarm clocks clock problem. Apologized and accepted full responsibility
— Syracuse Hockey (@syrhockey) March 23, 2016
BriseBois said this will be only game he sits. Said Drouin has been great since returning to team and
— Syracuse Hockey (@syrhockey) March 23, 2016
Doesn’t change how the organization feels about him
— Syracuse Hockey (@syrhockey) March 23, 2016
BriseBois is Tampa Bay assistant GM Julien BriseBois, who serves as Syracuse’s GM. He’s been a central figure in the Drouin saga, which began earlier this year when the former No. 3 overall pick had his trade demands made public -- not long after being demoted to the American League.
What followed was a club-imposed suspension in mid-January, after Drouin failed to report for a Syracuse game. The 20-year-old sat out roughly six weeks as Bolts GM Steve Yzerman explored trade possibilities, only to eventually retain Drouin and lift his suspension in early March.
Drouin has been quite productive since returning to the Crunch lineup, scoring five goals and six points in six games.
That’s important, because Yzerman is on record saying the Lightning may recall Drouin in time for the playoffs, calling a return to the club “very realistic.”