By the Blue Jackets I specifically mean Kerby Rychel. As I'm sure you are aware Jonathan Drouin of the Tampa Bay Lighting was suspended by the team for not reporting to an AHL game. Here's what Drouin's agent had to say about the situation.
Statement from Drouin's agent Allan Walsh: pic.twitter.com/oWZKopXmwj
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 21, 2016Kerby Rychel not too long ago was in a similar situation. Word came out that he, like Drouin, had requested a trade earlier in the year.
Rychel you could argue was in a worse spot that Drouin. He was playing well in the AHL but being passed over on call up opportunities by inferior players. To make matters worse the Jackets would call Rychel up just for a practice before demoting him again. There are positives in that, getting an NHL salary for a day an example, but it has to be frustrating for a young player.
Rychel could have been like Drouin and sat out and waited for a trade, but he did not. He no doubt had advice from his father Warren, veteran of 406 NHL games, and chose to stick it out in the AHL. Rychel to his credit played very well in the AHL and is now being rewarded with NHL time.
What Drouin and other young players alike have to learn here is that playing is in their best interest. If he went down and dominated the AHL like he and everyone knows he can, this is no issue. He either gets called up by Tampa or a team trades for him.
At this point you are just hurting yourself. This type of behavior scares off teams and basically assures you won't be in Tampa Bay.
Tampa holds all the cards in this game. Drouin is still on an entry level contract and has little control. Tampa does not have to trade him and can let him rot in the AHL if they want. Drouin also does not have much of a track record to fall back on. He has little negotiation power.
There is a lot young players can takeaway from this. The best thing to do in this situation is simply play and play well. Be like Kerby Rychel and dominate the league if you think you are too good for it. This situation with Drouin is bad for everyone involved.
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