Trade market: three intriguing teams interested in acquiring Jonathan Drouin?
Even though he played in his team's last few games, the situation surrounding Jonathan Drouin with the Habs remains fragile.
The Quebec forward still doesn't seem to be completely comfortable and despite his superb pass on Cole Caufield's tying goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins. His place in the lineup is still not guaranteed in the coming weeks.
One thing is for sure, the vast majority of Habs fans want Drouin to be able to find his feet as soon as possible and finally have some success, something that hasn't happened to him in the last three seasons.
He has the talent and he deserves all the success he can get!
However, since he will be a free agent at the end of the season, the chances that Kent Hughes will trade him to another team are pretty good. Also, with the imminent return of Joel Armia, there will be a huge surplus of wingers in Montreal. One of them will definitely have to be dealt.
Michael DeRosa has listed three teams where number 27 could be traded: the New York Islanders, the Buffalo Sabres and the Anaheim Ducks. Three teams that have shown interest and three logical destinations.
With the Islanders, Drouin could be a great fit among the top six forwards and he could help Mathew Barzal regain his scoring touch.
As for the Sabres, they have $19 million available on the payroll and are looking for a left winger with some experience. As for the Ducks, it's a bit of a similar situation to Buffalo, but with the team not off to a great start this season, bringing in a Jonathan Drouin would probably help bring some bite to the offense.
Unfortunately, there is a chance that the 2022-2023 season will be the Quebec forward's last with the Habs, but if he could restore his reputation, Kent Hughes could at least get something worthwhile in return for a player who hasn't really lived up to expectations in six seasons in Montreal.
In any case, we just wish that Kent Hughes could find the best possible solution to his winger surplus problem. We also wish that the best possible scenario would materialize for Drouin, whatever that may be.
What do you think is next for Jo Drouin? A trade or a contract extension?
| POLL | ||
Where do you see Drouin ending up? | ||
| Islanders | 62 | 26.4 % |
| Sabres | 35 | 14.9 % |
| Ducks | 51 | 21.7 % |
| Other | 87 | 37 % |
| List of polls | ||
