There is officially hope for Jonathan Drouin, according to Grant McCagg

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Jeff Drouin
August 16, 2022 (6:17 PM)

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Since the 2019-2020 season, Jonathan Drouin has spent much more time on the injured list than on the ice. After two seasons in which he missed only six games in total, the Quebec forward has been limited to just 105 games out of a possible 209 over the past three seasons, in which he has collected 58 points, including 15 goals.

With the final year of his contract coming up in 2022-2023, several trade rumors have circulated in recent weeks, but as reported by Jeremy Pearman of Habsolumentfan.com, Drouin is committed to playing under Martin St. Louis in the upcoming season.

"I didn't play last year with Martin. Just the way he talks about hockey, it's impressive. I'm looking forward to doing his practices and getting into a game."

He actually had a chance to play in two games last year with St. Louis behind the bench, but let's just say it wasn't enough.

We remember that St. Louis' arrival behind the bench had been an important part of the team's revival, especially for a certain Cole Caufield. In 37 games under St. Louis, No. 22 scored no less than 22 goals, a pace of 46 goals over an 82-game season.

Could playing regularly for his former Lightning teammate have a beneficial effect on Drouin's production?

It's hard to say at this point, as despite a return to health, #92 will still be vulnerable to injury, but if he could ever play a full season, Drouin could make a strong comeback and solidify his spot on the team's top three just in time for his next contract.

At least that's what former scout Grant McCagg, now very active on social media, said in a recent article defending the Habs forward from critics who have been critical of his defensive play in recent years.

One thing is for sure, Drouin deserves a great season, full of hope and promise. He has the talent and the attitude to get there.

But beyond Drouin's numbers, it will be very interesting to follow the Habs' training camp, which will begin on September 22, to see how the relationship between number 92 and his new head coach, whom he had already worked with as a teammate during the Lightning's camp in 2013, goes.

With the arrival of Martin St-Louis, there is officially hope for Jonathan Drouin.