Big turnaround coming for Jonathan Drouin and the Montreal Canadiens? An intriguing new option is raised
Let's not kid ourselves, Jonathan Drouin's time in Montreal has clearly not been to the Habs' advantage.
Acquired in June 2017 from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for Mikail Sergachev, the Quebec forward has failed to become the star player that was expected. After two respectable first seasons from 2017 to 2019, Drouin has had all sorts of health issues, both physically and mentally.
This season, as he returned to his number 27, he failed to score a single goal but had been playing good hockey for a while before he was, once again, on the injured list.
Drouin's contract will expire next July and it is very likely that Kent Hughes will trade him to another team before the trade deadline.
But I'm not here today to discuss Drouin's market value, I'm here to discuss the possibility of him being back with the Habs in 2023-2024.
That would be a big turnaround, but it could be an option to consider.
As Cimon Asselin of Habsolumentfan.com suggests, don't expect Jonathan Drouin to break the bank with his next contract, and he'll have to take a significant pay cut, since no team will risk making him a long-term offer due to his uncertain health.
That's why Asselin is proposing that the Habs offer him a one-season contract at only $1 million a year.
This way, Kent Hughes could allow Drouin to have the opportunity to play one more season with the Habs where he won't be pressured to produce as a $5.5 million player and perhaps allow him to revive his career.
You're going to tell me that I'm living in a world of unicorns by believing that the forward, who will be 28 years old this year, still has good hockey in him. But you have to admit that before the injury that kept him out of the game since January 15, he still had seven assists in nine games and was very effective on the power play.
That said, I'm just reporting a suggestion from a columnist about Drouin, but I'll ask you anyway.
At only $1 million a year, would you re-sign Drouin?
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 31 | 465 ANSWERS Big turnaround coming for Jonathan Drouin and the Montreal Canadiens? An intriguing new option is raised At only $1 million a year, would you re-sign Drouin? | ||
| Yes | 205 | 44.1 % |
| No | 260 | 55.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
