The possibility of trading Jonathan Drouin... It's all we seem to be talking about recently, at least in Lightning land.
It makes perfect sense as to why. I mean Drouin really came into his own this season for the Bolts and is capable of being an elite talent in the NHL for years to come. This kind of makes it hard to wrap your head around how Steve Yzerman could even entertain the idea of sending this kid elsewhere. Trading away a player that has proven he can be a true top-notch asset to your organization just seem foolish on the surface.
I'm here to officially say that I not only agree with the Lightning shopping around Drouin, I think trading the former third-overall pick is the team's best option if they want to improve in other areas.
From a statistical and progression standpoint, the Lightning would love to hold onto Drouin and witness his full potential. In a perfect world, they would be able to do just that. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world, it is a salary cap world.
With Drouin set to become an RFA this summer, it is unclear what kind of raise the 22-year-old is going to demand. Unlike fellow RFA's Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson, I just don't see Drouin accepting a bridge deal. The kid knows he can get a big pay raise somewhere and I believe that's what he has his sights set on. With not a whole lot of money to spare, Tampa Bay would really struggle to pay Drouin the money he desires and fill in the gaps elsewhere on the roster.
In return for Drouin, the Lightning should be able to receive some much-needed help on their blueline. Inconsistent play from their defensemen played a huge role in the Lightning's woes this season and it this will persist next season if it is not addressed over the summer.
It may be hard to swallow but this team can actually be better next year if they send Drouin packing. Yzerman will be able to re-sign Palat and Johnson to more team-friendly contracts and boost the team's back-end. Having Johnson, Palat, and a top-four defenseman would make the Lightning better than if they could only hold onto Drouin, which could happen if he doesn't accept a bridge deal.
I know nobody wants their team to deal away one of their better players. However, it takes talent to acquire talent. Simply put, dealing Drouin is how this team can be in a better place for the 2017-18 NHL season.