It has been announced that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin will be out day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Drouin, 21, is currently in the American Hockey League, and will miss the club’s Sunday contest against the Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks affiliate).
Jonathan Drouin Out With Lower-Body Injury
This news comes on the heels of the announcement that captain and former Rocket Richard Trophy winner Steven Stamkos will miss 1-to-3 months with a blood clot in his arm. The former 3rd overall selection was thought by many to be Stamkos’ replacement, making this very unfortunate timing for the Lightning, who currently sit 2nd in the Atlantic Division and are in a close race with the Florida Panthers for the division’s #1 seed.
Before his injury, Drouin had put up nine goals in his previous nine games, a very positive step for a skater that has been under immense scrutiny for almost the entire duration of the 2015-16, and was subject to many a trade deadline rumor earlier in the year. He was suspended by the Lightning early in 2016, when he refused to show up for Syracuse’s game with the Toronto Marlies. Through 19 NHL contests, Drouin had two goals and six assists for eight points. Through 17 AHL games, he has 11 goals.
It is being reported that the Lightning will not be calling up a forward in Stamkos’ absence, due to the fact that they already carry an extra forward on board (Jonathan Marchessault).
No immediate callup for Lightning; Jonathan Drouin day-to-day with lower body injury. https://t.co/luTC1QB42h #TBLightning @TBLightning #NHL
— TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) April 3, 2016
Main Photo Credit: NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 24: Jonathan Drouin #27 of the Tampa Bay Lightning plays against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on September 24, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
