I am not surprised by the Jonathan Drouin saga that's unfolding in Tampa Bay. Disappointed but not surprised. I have nothing against the kid, but I think he's listening to horrible advice from his agent, Allan Walsh.
At least based on his history, Walsh seems to be the type of agent who helps create -- and personally profit from -- the sort of entitlement attitude among many young players that has polluted the game at all levels. Nothing has to be earned, including ice time and respect. Personal responsibility and accountability doesn't exist. It's always someone's fault. Blame the coach, the GM, the team owner, your no-talent linemates, the ref and the media.
If the kid actually receives coaching (rather than automatic praise), the agents and/or stage parents get up in arms and squawk about how he's being mistreated. Placed on the lower lines to learn how to play away from the puck, the coach has it in for him. His linemates are no good. Can't you see those Corsi numbers? This kid's a Corsi superstar already. Send a kid on an entry level contract to the AHL to prove himself? It's an outrage. Demand a trade. While you are waiting, just be sure to pout, give a half-hearted effort or -- even better -- refuse to play. You'll be sure to get your way.
I don't blame Drouin. He's a kid and I doubt he's thought all this through, because he's probably never had to think for himself. He's doing what his agent is telling him do.
I blame the agent and whoever else contributed to him feeling that an NHL top-six spot is an entitlement simply because of where he was drafted and because he's shown flashes (but no actual consistency) in being an effective professional player. The operative word here is professional. Some kids are wise beyond their years and they understand that being a pro doesn't just mean you get paid to play. The kids who are overly coddled and taught to feel above paying their dues find the demands of pro hockey a shock to their system.
At the NHL level, whatever you did as a junior or collegiate star is meaningless. Everyone in today's game has to play 200 feet. Everyone has to be able to replicate the same process -- from practice day to game day -- on a regular basis. It's not just about a two-goal game here and a good backchecking play there. Especially in a game that has become highly structured, it's about playing effectively within that structure like it or not.
When people ask me about the biggest things that have changed in hockey over the years, one of the things that inevitably comes up is the entitlement culture that has taken hold among many of the younger players entering the NHL. It's not just a hockey problem. It's a societal problem. As such, combating it is a major uphill battle.
By no means do I think today's players are lazy or lack ambition. However, there's an all-too-frequent attitude that rules only apply to others and everything that goes wrong is someone else's fault. That belief is quite often fueled by the young players' parents and/or their agents.
This is not universal, of course. There are still many excellent hockey parents out there and unspoiled players. There are also good agents, who advocate for their clients without trying to interfere with the way coaches coach and GMs manage.
Unfortunately, the bad ones often ruin it for the good ones and have become increasingly obnoxious and overbearing in the last 25 years or so. Being able to take to social media has boosted ther profile.
The worst thing -- absolute WORST thing -- that ever happened to youth hockey was when the dressing room got opened to parents. Coaches could no longer coach teamwork and fundamentals, and could not prepare players for how things will be when and if they move up the ladder in this game. When the agents start to get involved, it's even worse.
From the time he's been out of diapers, little Johnny or Jimmy has been told he's above everyone else and he's destined to not only make the NHL but to be a star. Being a role player, even in the NHL, is never good enough even when it is being done with the thought process in mind of coaching the player to be ready to assume a bigger role.
It is sad, and it has really hurt our game. Rather than awaiting a trade as a disgruntled 20 year old who has been convinced he's being mistreated, Drouin should be absorbing coaching and the traits of established veterans like a sponge.
Again, this does not represent the majority of young players, but it has still become far too commonplace. Hockey parents, if you really want to help your kid make his way both in hockey and in life, emphasize character development. Teach your kids how to develop both accountability and acceptability, and they will ultimately go much further both on and off the ice. Agents, put the kid's real best interests and not your own cut in their contract, as the top priority in your handling of their affairs.
There is more to hockey than stats and the decimal places in a paycheck. Character and coachability still count in this game.
************************************************************************ Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC at both the Division 1 and Division 3 levels.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
Join the Discussion:
»