Drouin's season starts on a sour note; won't play in first game
To say it's been a tough few years for Jonathan Drouin of the Montreal Canadiens would be a massive understatement. After a 53 point season with the Habs in 2018-19, injuries and poor play have plagued the forward since then. The preseason looked like a good place for a reset for Drouin, as he appeared to be healthy. However, his performance did not impress the Canadiens' coaching staff enough to get a spot in the lineup on opening night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Head coach Martin St. Louis has confirmed to RDS that Drouin will sit as a healthy scratch. He added that Drouin may get the chance to play on Friday.
Even just a couple of years ago, it would have seemed crazy that a healthy Drouin wouldn't make the Habs' lineup on an opening night. Things have changed quickly. Drouin is in the final year of a six-year deal that carries a cap hit of $5.5 million per season. At this point, both sides are likely itching for a fresh start. Drouin has dealt with multiple physical injuries over the past four years, and has talked some about his mental health struggles. The potential for the former third overall pick is undeniable, but Drouin needs to find some positives in his game in 2022-23 or risk not having a contract when 2023-24 begins. His best hope is to play well enough to get flipped at the trade deadline, and make enough of an impact after that to warrant a new deal.
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