I've constantly been saying that I really do not think that Marc Bergevin is ready to give up on Jonathan Drouin and that I do believe that Drouin will come into his own. Granted, it is REALLY early in the season but when the calendar page turned to October 3rd, it looked like Drouin decided to turn over a new leaf. In the last few days of the training camp, when it became crystal clear that Drouin would be starting on the third line alongside Kotkaniemi and Armia he looked like a teenager sulking. Or better yet, like a toddler who cannot play with the toy he wants to play with (in this case, Max Domi), but in Carolina last Thursday night Drouin came to play, not to sulk, complain or drag his feet, he was all business. He spent 16:39 on the ice, got himself an assist, finished with a +1, had one shot and one hit and more importantly, he was a big part of the Canadiens best line on the night. More than anything else though, he worked hard...when something didn't work right away, he kept trying and that's how he created Kotkaniemi's first career road goal:
Fast forward to Saturday, prior to the game against the Leafs, Drouin heard that the Suzuki family had 4 tickets to the game but needed 2 more and since the price was quite steep Suzuki wasn't sure he would get them. Well, Drouin stepped up and bought the two extra tickets. That right there is a nice bit of leadership. I know, he can afford to buy the tickets but that's not the point, it's all about the gesture and the message it sends. Especially considering that Suzuki came in and ejected Drouin from the top 6.
Nick Suzuki’s parents are greatful to Jonathan Drouin. They have 4 tickets for tonight’s game but they needed 6. Price of the tickets are really high and Drouin decided to pay for the other 2.
And then, there was last night. On a night where many Habs didn't give their all, Drouin was really into the game and according to Max Domi, he was incredibly vocal on the bench in the 3rd acting like a real leader and even finishing his checks. Domi even added that when such a talented player gets so physically involved it sends quite a message to the team. That right there is Domi letting Drouin know just how important he can be to the team. In the end, he scored an important goal (off Rielly but still), finished the night with a +1, 2 penalty minutes, 1 shot, 1 hit and one takeaway. He was on the ice for almost 17 minutes, 3:20 of which were on the power play and he was really playing a 200 feet game. This is the Drouin this team needs. Furthermore, his demeanour in front of the media after the game was finally that of a happy young man who enjoys what he does for a living and when he commented on the game, he spoke of the team and not of himself:
As I said, I'm very aware that it is insanely early in the season but I hope that this is the Drouin we will be getting for the whole season. If it is, we'll be in for a treat Habs fans and I don't think any of us could complain about that. The Habs had the day off today and will be back at the Complexe sportif Bell to practice Monday morning at 11:00. Personally, I'm looking forward to finding out what the lines at practice will be and seeing how Drouin reacts. He did end the last game on the second line while Suzuki was put on the 4th but does that mean that he has reclaimed his top 6 role? If he hasn't, will he accept it well or will the sulky teenager be back? We shall find out tomorrow morning...
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