Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Jonathan Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh has made an official statement in the wake of Drouin’s indefinite suspension.
As most of you know, things have escalated to a whole new level in the seemingly never-ending trade saga surrounding Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Jonathan Drouin. Just when it seemed as if the young forward was willing to put in the work necessary to make his way back to the NHL, whether as a member of the Lightning or one of the other 29 teams in the league, Drouin goes and pulls a stunt like the one he did today.
Jonathan Drouin was scheduled to report to the Syracuse Crunch tonight as the Crunch took on the Toronto Marlies. Unfortunately, Drouin didn’t feel the need to make an appearance. In fact, he doesn’t feel the need to play another game for the Tampa Bay Lightning organization as he awaits his requested trade. What part of the word request does Jonathan Drouin not understand?
In any case, it wouldn’t be long before the Tampa Bay Lightning would respond to Drouin’s little temper tantrum. In light of his failure to report as expected, the Tampa Bay Lightning has indefinitely suspended Jonathan Drouin without pay. Unfortunately for all parties involved, we cannot see a conclusion to this drama that would result in Jonathan Drouin remaining with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
As you can imagine, Jonathan Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh had plenty to say in the wake of his client’s suspension. Why wouldn’t he, this affects his bottom line as well. Walsh pulled no punches in stating what he thought was in the best interest of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Here is a look at Allan Walsh’s full statement on the Jonathan Drouin situation courtesy of Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
"“When the Tampa Bay Lightning assigned Jonathan Drouin to Syracuse it was explained the purpose of the assignment was twofold; (1) conditioning due to missed games from injury and (2) provide proof that he had completely recovered from his injury. Jonathan has now played seven games with Syracuse in the past (14) days.A few days ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning advised that a trade involving Jonathan was moving closer to completion. We proposed to Tampa that Jonathan not play in the next few AHL games but continue practicing with the club to avoid any potential injury from preventing an imminent trade. Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay Lightning refused this reasonable request, however, Jonathan was not willing to accept this risk. We have been advised that the Tampa Bay Lightning has suspended Jonathan.In light of the latest developments it is clearly in both sides best interests that the Tampa Bay Lightning trade Jonathan as there is no reason for Jonathan to continue with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in any capacity. We will have no further comment as we await the Tampa Bay Lightning to conclude a trade that involves Jonathan.”"
Apparently, someone needs to buy this pair a dictionary for Christmas. There are a few words they seem to be unclear on. The first of which is request. Just because a player makes a request does not mean that someone like Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman has any responsibility to honor. It is just that…a request.
Another word they seem to have difficulty with is contract. Jonathan Drouin is under contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning until the conclusion of the 2016-17 season at which time he will become a Restricted Free Agent. In other words, even after his contract has expired, his future still lies in the capable hands of Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The last time we checked, when you are under contract there are certain obligations in which the contracted player has to complete. Showing up for and participating in games is right there at the top of the list.
When all of this chaos started, there was speculation as to whether these were the true feelings of Jonathan Drouin or the manipulation of an agent looking to get the “best possible deal” for his client. It’s pretty plain to see between the way Drouin has conducted himself and the bombshell they dropped tonight, Drouin has quite a stranglehold on his future in the NHL. Unfortunately, if he doesn’t loosen his grip a little, he may kill his career all together.
Right after the news of Drouin’s trade request broke, Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman was quick to respond that his only intentions were to act in the best interest of the Tampa Bay Lightning. It is pretty safe to say, the Lightning will not be making and further moves until Yzerman is good and ready, and the deal benefits the Lightning.
As we have always said, everyone has their favorite players and those they would love to see succeed, but at the end of the day the logo on the front is far more important than the name on the back of the jersey.
We here at Bolts By The Bay will continue to keep you updated on any new information that becomes available in regards to the Jonathan Drouin trade saga and all other headlines coming out of the Bolts Nation.
Next: Jonathan Drouin Continues To Prove What We Suspected All Along
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