Lightning fans will have to wait a little while longer to see Jonathan Drouin make his NHL debut, as the Bolts’ brass decided to send him to Syracuse on a conditioning assignment. The 2013 third overall pick has been out since September 18 with a right thumb fracture. He has practiced with the team, but has not participated in any contact drills or line rushes until this morning. Drouin stated that he expects to play in tomorrow nights Crunch game. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Drouin has been wearing a protective brace and is still experiencing some pain, but is close to returning to normal practice. On Tuesday, Drouin worked on faceoffs for the first time since being injured.
The decision had to be made before the team departed for Vancouver to start a ten day road trip consisting of five games.
The two week conditioning stint is a blessing in disguise, as Drouin can ease into the NHL game after missing the entire preseason. He will be able to get in game shape while experiencing the physical side of AHL hockey.
This move is no surprise, as the Lightning have stressed from the start, that they will exercise extreme patience with their young star.
Drouin: “It’s not really sending me down. It’s more getting me ready to come back here, and making sure I’m 100 percent ready.” #TBLightning
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) October 16, 2014
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The 19-year-old played last season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, scoring 29 goals and accumulating an amazing 108 points in 46 games.
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