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The NHL has been abuzz over the rumors that there's a rift between Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper and Jonathan Drouin that is playing out over the course of Tampa's run to the Finals. I talked yesterday with people from four different NHL organizations.
Not surprisingly, there wasn't a ton of sympathy for Drouin.
Said the first, "What has this kid done to feel he deserves to be in the lineup right now? His two-way game isn't ready yet, he hasn't done enough scoring to get in on that basis and [Cooper] has to go with the guys who can help them win now. It's the Stanley Cup Final, not the Q."
Said the second, "I don't know what's actually going on there, so I'm not going to comment on that part about the so-called rift. But I will say that there's usually a reason if a kid with his talent level isn't playing. But I'll also say it's a good test for Jonathan to see how he handles it. You want to see him use it as motivation in a positive way. Of course he's not happy about not playing. No one would be. The question is, 'OK, you're not happy, so what are you going to do about it?' Again, you hope he uses it as motivation to work that much harder."
Said the third, "When I was playing, a rookie who [complained] to the coach about ice time in the playoffs would get taken to the woodshed by the vets. These days, the kids are coddled and told they're superstars, especially a top draft pick like him, before they really are anywhere near that level. They aren't used to being held accountable and they aren't used to things not being handed to them. I think that's what going on here. If he doesn't like seeing [Teravainen] playing for Quenneville and himself not playing for Cooper, then start by looking in the mirror."
Said the fourth, "Is there a maturity issue with Drouin? Probably. Is there a little concern about priorities if he's pouting while his team is where it's at now? Yeah, a little. But he's 20 years old. You hope he matures. He wouldn't be the first and won't be the last."
Then I asked all four gentlemen if they thought their organization would have interest in Drouin if Tampa were to decide to make him available on the trade market this off-season. All four said yes, depending on what would go the other way. One added, "If you look at [Tyler] Seguin in Dallas, I think a lot of teams would hope Drouin could break out the same way."
I find this fascinating. Can't say I am surprised by either set of reactions -- and I also have a feeling the Drouin-Cooper situation might be getting a tad overblown right now -- but I think it's very much representative of the way pro sports (not just hockey) are in this day and age.