The passage of Jonathan Drouin with the Montreal Canadiens was marked by high expectations, but it ultimately didn’t end the way he or the team had hoped.
Acquired in 2017 from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Mikhail SergachevDrouin was brought in to be a dynamic offensive force for the CH. His skill set, including his exceptional passing ability, was expected to elevate the team’s attacking group.
However, despite flashes of brilliance, Drouin struggled to produce consistent performances during his tenure in Montreal, particularly in terms of goals scored. His relationship with the coaching staff and the pressure placed on him to live up to his potential has produced mixed results.
After a difficult season, including a hiatus in 2022 for personal reasons, Drouin was no longer part of the Canadian’s future plans.
He signed a one-year contract in the summer of 2023 with the Avalanche and had a career-best season with 56 points.
It’s a shame, but like any relationship, sometimes a separation is better than dragging it out too long.
As the Canadian prepares to face the Avalanche this evening, Renaud Lavoie sat down with the former Canadiens to discuss his new life in Colorado and the latter admitted that he still watches almost all of the Canadiens’ games.
Renaud also asked him what he thought of Lane Hutson.
I still watch the Canadian, almost every match. I can’t wait to see him in person, I compare him to Quinn Hughes, I think he has a similar style although there are things he does differently.
I think he’s in a good place too with Martin (St-Louis) and Stéphane Robidas, they’re really good to talk to individually.
You watched the first 10 games, everyone thought he was amazing, but he’s on another level already. He’s a guy who seems to really like hockey, you can see he’s having fun.
It’s fun to see a young person like that who isn’t nervous or stressed about making a mistake. He makes mistakes but it doesn’t matter, he gets back on the ice and continues to improve.
– Jonathan Drouin
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