It's all a trade-off. Hard to forego the potential big RFA $$ as a young top 5 pick, I would think. He could have opted to go the NCAA route as well, gotten an education and become a free agent after 4 years, ala Hayes/Schultz/Reilly- maybe more will go this route in the future.
- Davewn

Definitely a trade off. But it's the player's choice to make, it's not like they are slaves to the system like some would have as believe. They signed in knowing full well which rights had been bargained for them. If they weren't satisfied with the reality of the league they should have never signed.

If he wants to put himself in a better career position why do it like this? Wouldn't it make more sense for him to put in the hardwork, light up the AHL, make it painfully obvious to all GMs that he belongs in the big league, and force a trade or call-up? It's not like he's been toiling in the minors for five years or something.

Drouin can solve this problem with his play, but instead is either letting or being manipulated into having his agent take control.
- Tweek

If he plays 2 more NHL games this year, which he obviously doesnt think will happen in Tampa, he gets to be a UFA a year earlier. That's when he can choose his team, make higher money and be set for life. I am pretty sure those are some of the factors in doing it this way

not that i condone what drouin is doing, but most players drafted in the top 4 are given an nhl roster spot within 2 years of being drafted. Granted, guys like that typically play on bad teams. But I understand if drouin looks around the league and is pissed at being the odd man out.

drouin's doing what he thinks is in his best interest, yzerman should do the same.
- Tumbleweed

And had his play warranted said spot he would for sure be playing in that spot. After all he was drafted to be the feeder for Stammer's one-timer ala Marty St Louis. As it is he was outplayed by other players, namely Namestnikov (also a 1st round pick who wasn't "given" a spot, he earned it) and is now playing on top line alongside Stamkos.

My issue isn't against Drouin's frustration. My issue (as it pertains to this article) is that somehow Drouin acting like a low character spoiled brat is somehow absolved of his actions and the blame lies with the mean rich owner and Yzerman for not allowing him to continue being a low character spoiled little female dog without consequences

I'm not even sure where to begin, this blog was so mind boggling. Instead of being embarrassed for the hockey world, should be embarrassed by the blog. First comparing Drouin to the entire population of the World, which is comparing him as a hockey player to billions of people who don't even play hockey! Compare him to the 600 or so NHL players in the league, or better yet, to the 24 guys on his team! Let's not confuse talent with current level of play and ability, they're not the same thing. heaven forbid, Drouin be asked to play the game the right way! Hey, he's the 3rd overall pick in the draft, he can play like he wants! Second, bringing the owner into it and rambling on about a hedge fund owner, who owns a team as a toy. The Owner is not making the calls here on where and how much Drouin plays. Yzerman and the coaching staff is! I guarantee they don't own hedge funds!
Steve Yzerman has the personal experience of changing his game from a one way offensive player, into a top 2 way player in the league. Drouin is nott being asked to do anything any other player hasn't been asked to do. Nobody can fault Drouin for being frustrated, for even wanting a change of scenery! He's going about it in the wrong way, but he's a 20 year old kid. That why you have mentors such as an agent, who is supposed to provide guidance
I'm curious James, not one word to Drouin's culpability in all of this? All you did was agree with the sense of entitlement that Drouin thinks he has, because he's one of the best players in the world out of 7.9 billion people!
Do yourself a favor James and read Paul Stewart's blog today. He go it right

If he plays 2 more NHL games this year, which he obviously doesnt think will happen in Tampa, he gets to be a UFA a year earlier. That's when he can choose his team, make higher money and be set for life. I am pretty sure those are some of the factors in doing it this way
- WhiteLie

Well had he played well in Cuse he would have been called back up. Had he played well in Tampa he would have never gone to Cuse in the first place. If he keeps acting like this that "payday" whether a year earlier or later won't be the payday it could have been.

And had his play warranted said spot he would for sure be playing in that spot. After all he was drafted to be the feeder for Stammer's one-timer ala Marty St Louis. As it is he was outplayed by other players, namely Namestnikov (also a 1st round pick who wasn't "given" a spot, he earned it) and is now playing on top line alongside Stamkos.

My issue isn't against Drouin's frustration. My issue (as it pertains to this article) is that somehow Drouin acting like a low character spoiled brat is somehow absolved of his actions and the blame lies with the mean rich owner and Yzerman for not allowing him to continue being a low character spoiled little female dog without consequences
- uf1910

Wasn't old enough to play in AHL that season. It was NHL or juniors
- uf1910

for me, without the stupid chl/ahl age rule, drouin could have been in a much better position to get that nhl roster spot with tampa.

I'm not even sure where to begin, this blog was so mind boggling. Instead of being embarrassed for the hockey world, should be embarrassed by the blog. First comparing Drouin to the entire population of the World, which is comparing him as a hockey player to billions of people who don't even play hockey! Compare him to the 600 or so NHL players in the league, or better yet, to the 24 guys on his team! Let's not confuse talent with current level of play and ability, they're not the same thing. heaven forbid, Drouin be asked to play the game the right way! Hey, he's the 3rd overall pick in the draft, he can play like he wants! Second, bringing the owner into it and rambling on about a hedge fund owner, who owns a team as a toy. The Owner is not making the calls here on where and how much Drouin plays. Yzerman and the coaching staff is! I guarantee they don't own hedge funds!
Steve Yzerman has the personal experience of changing his game from a one way offensive player, into a top 2 way player in the league. Drouin is nott being asked to do anything any other player hasn't been asked to do. Nobody can fault Drouin for being frustrated, for even wanting a change of scenery! He's going about it in the wrong way, but he's a 20 year old kid. That why you have mentors such as an agent, who is supposed to provide guidance
I'm curious James, not one word to Drouin's culpability in all of this? All you did was agree with the sense of entitlement that Drouin thinks he has, because he's one of the best players in the world out of 7.9 billion people!
Do yourself a favor James and read Paul Stewart's blog today. He go it right
- MJL

Also conveniently leaving out that Drouin as "one of the best players in the world" was outplayed and replaced by other "best players in the world"

for me, without the stupid chl/ahl age rule, drouin could have been in a much better position to get that nhl roster spot with tampa.
- Tumbleweed

Absolutely agree. He would have been better off in Cuse that year. But after the Bolts mistake with Connolly being in NHL too soon they sure as hell weren't going to duplicate that mistake.

Maloney played hardball with turris a few years ago in a similar sitiution. he called turris' bluff after a holdout and ended up signing him to a deal.

maloney didn't exactly get a higher return he was probably hoping for in the end.

i don't think letting a potential asset sit for 6 years would be a smart decision. yzerman has a team of veterans and has hopefully developed a culture of needing to earn your roster spot. One player shouldn't upset that.
- Tumbleweed

I think you're missing the point. If you think Drouin is being significantly under-valued in the market right now than you hold off and wait for his stock to rise before trading him. You definitely don't deal him now (for a lesser return) because Drouin/his agent are trying to force your hand. If a good return is available and you don't foresee any future returns being much greater than maybe you pull the trigger now.

Otherwise you absolutely do not. It is not worth the potential risk it brings to your club to let your whole organization be manipulated by a prospect on an ELC who has no rights in this situation. It is much better to take control of the situation, be in the drivers seat, and say, if you don't wanna play for us you can sit at home and not get paid or play anywhere else until our agreement expires. This puts the ball back in Drouin's court for him to either show up and earn a spot/increase his value or sit at home and rot for 6 years. The outcome of this should be obvious but even if Drouin decides to be a martyr and waste the prime of his career it is still better for the Lightning than selling Drouin now for a diminished return and suffering the future risk involved in allowing Drouin to undermine your entire organization.

James calls this action childish but really signing a contract and refusing to live up to your agreement because of entitlement issues is the only childish thing involved in this scenario. Playing hardball goes both ways and such is the reality of business.

Maloney likely sold too early on Turris (when his value was low) instead of letting him develop into a better player and trading him when his stock had risen.

And had his play warranted said spot he would for sure be playing in that spot. After all he was drafted to be the feeder for Stammer's one-timer ala Marty St Louis. As it is he was outplayed by other players, namely Namestnikov (also a 1st round pick who wasn't "given" a spot, he earned it) and is now playing on top line alongside Stamkos.

My issue isn't against Drouin's frustration. My issue (as it pertains to this article) is that somehow Drouin acting like a low character spoiled brat is somehow absolved of his actions and the blame lies with the mean rich owner and Yzerman for not allowing him to continue being a low character spoiled little female dog without consequences
- uf1910

fair enough

the way i see, there is no nhl spot for drouin in tampa given the current roster. drouin probably sees that there should be plenty of teams in the league that will give him an nhl roster spot immediately.

whether the action he took gets him to his goal or not is really his problem. if he is acting in a spoiled way, this may be a good wake up call for him.

Well had he played well in Cuse he would have been called back up. Had he played well in Tampa he would have never gone to Cuse in the first place. If he keeps acting like this that "payday" whether a year earlier or later won't be the payday it could have been.
- uf1910

There is no guarentee he would've been back. If there was a spot for him on the NHL club he wouldn't have been sent down in the waivers situation, it would've been a conditioning stint. I agree he couldve/shouldve played better but as Tumbleweed has noted, its a tough roster to crack when coaches have more faith in other players who took the team to the finals without him

If he plays 2 more NHL games this year, which he obviously doesnt think will happen in Tampa, he gets to be a UFA a year earlier. That's when he can choose his team, make higher money and be set for life. I am pretty sure those are some of the factors in doing it this way
- WhiteLie

If he had made himself invaluable to the team's success he would have never been sent down. Since he didn't he got sent down because that was the proper asset management decision by Yzerman (i.e., he could use more ice time and he doesn't have to clear waivers).

It was his play that dictated the outcome of this situation. If Tampa didn't feel he made himself invaluable then it is fully their right to do what they think is best for the organization and send him down.

I am now stupider for reading this article but I know you just wanted the headline! This has absolutely nothing to do with Jeffrey Vinik. It has to do with a team loaded with talent and an entitled punk whos had everything given to him because of his talent...look what's happened now that he has to earn it. Yzerman is clearly trying to trade Drouin but guess what he doesn't have to! He said in a press conference today the door is open to fix the relationship. The team hasn't given up on him he game up on the team. As a huge TBL fan I've watched every game Drouins played in and he is a liability on D...that doesn't fly with Cooper.

By the way let me name a few players who are taking that roster spot in Tampa:

Tyler Johnson 25 yrs old
Alex Killorn 26
Jonathan Marchessault 25
Vlad Namestnikov 22
Ondrej Palat 24
JT Brown 25
Nikita Kucherov 22

ALL of these players did their time in the AHL developed an all around game and are really the main reason Drouin was sent down. Great job by Yzerman and Cooper with developing these players to become all around hockey players.

As for Drouin he will get his wish with a one way ticket out of Tampa but it doesn't have to be this season OR next and it will be on the Tampa Bay Lightnines terms.

www.soundcloud.com/shooterstachepod

I'm not even sure where to begin, this blog was so mind boggling. Instead of being embarrassed for the hockey world, should be embarrassed by the blog. First comparing Drouin to the entire population of the World, which is comparing him as a hockey player to billions of people who don't even play hockey! Compare him to the 600 or so NHL players in the league, or better yet, to the 24 guys on his team! Let's not confuse talent with current level of play and ability, they're not the same thing. heaven forbid, Drouin be asked to play the game the right way! Hey, he's the 3rd overall pick in the draft, he can play like he wants! Second, bringing the owner into it and rambling on about a hedge fund owner, who owns a team as a toy. The Owner is not making the calls here on where and how much Drouin plays. Yzerman and the coaching staff is! I guarantee they don't own hedge funds!
Steve Yzerman has the personal experience of changing his game from a one way offensive player, into a top 2 way player in the league. Drouin is nott being asked to do anything any other player hasn't been asked to do. Nobody can fault Drouin for being frustrated, for even wanting a change of scenery! He's going about it in the wrong way, but he's a 20 year old kid. That why you have mentors such as an agent, who is supposed to provide guidance
I'm curious James, not one word to Drouin's culpability in all of this? All you did was agree with the sense of entitlement that Drouin thinks he has, because he's one of the best players in the world out of 7.9 billion people!
Do yourself a favor James and read Paul Stewart's blog today. He go it right
- MJL

Bang on

You commented earlier that owners were exploiting the players but the facts don't really support your beliefs. There wouldn't have been a lockout if the owners were exploiting their players and making a fortune. No need for an escrow clause in CBA if owners are making a healthy profit.

Your posts during the Canadian election lead me to believe your socialist leanings. If I am incorrect, I apologize for any offence.
- Leafsandbolts

I am a proud socialist my good man, as are like 99% of people who say they hate socialism. But owners have been exploiting players for years.

I think you're missing the point. If you think Drouin is being significantly under-valued in the market right now than you hold off and wait for his stock to rise before trading him. You definitely don't deal him now (for a lesser return) because Drouin/his agent are trying to force your hand. If a good return is available and you don't foresee any future returns being much greater than maybe you pull the trigger now.

Otherwise you absolutely do not. It is not worth the potential risk it brings to your club to let your whole organization be manipulated by a prospect on an ELC who has no rights in this situation. It is much better to take control of the situation, be in the drivers seat, and say, if you don't wanna play for us you can sit at home and not get paid or play anywhere else until our agreement expires. This puts the ball back in Drouin's court for him to either show up and earn a spot/increase his value or sit at home and rot for 6 years. The outcome of this should be obvious but even if Drouin decides to be a martyr and waste the prime of his career it is still better for the Lightning than selling Drouin now for a diminished return and suffering the future risk involved in allowing Drouin to undermine your entire organization.

James calls this action childish but really signing a contract and refusing to live up to your agreement because of entitlement issues is the only childish thing involved in this scenario. Playing hardball goes both ways and such is the reality of business.

Maloney likely sold too early on Turris (when his value was low) instead of letting him develop into a better player and trading him when his stock had risen.
- RonPielep

i see what you're saying about setting the wrong precedent. seems to me like yzerman would be doing the rest of the gm's in the league a favor and not himself. if you have a team of 20 odd guys that earned their roster spots, punting a player in a trade shouldn't change the fact that guys need to earn it. in some ways, it strengthens it.

guys drafted in the 1-4 spots are typically a lot more talented that outside of that. high-achievers like that are sometimes better served developing in the nhl rather than than outside of it where they can become bored and disruptive. i think yzerman may be the other person with a lesson to learn in all of this.

maloney probably sold quickly on turris because he realized that giving playing time and a roster spot to a player who's not in the long-term plans probably pisses off the rest of the dressing room.

The behavior he is referring to as being childish is called professional/business integrity. Something Tanner will never understand as evident by my location...
- RonPielep

Technically you have to write [Sic] or it's libel since what you are attributing as a direct quote in in act an out-of-context paraphrasing.

for me, without the stupid chl/ahl age rule, drouin could have been in a much better position to get that nhl roster spot with tampa.
- Tumbleweed

By the logic of the blog, Yzerman should have just sent Drouin to Syracuse after the draft (despite the under 20 clause in the CHL agreement) anyway because he was frustrated that Drouin wasn't ready for the NHL and another year in the Q was doing nothing for Drouin's development.

for me, without the stupid chl/ahl age rule, drouin could have been in a much better position to get that nhl roster spot with tampa.
- Tumbleweed

By the logic of the blog, Yzerman should have just sent Drouin to Syracuse after the draft (despite the under 20 clause in the CHL agreement) anyway because he was frustrated that Drouin wasn't ready for the NHL and another year in the Q was doing nothing for Drouin's development.

I think you're missing the point. If you think Drouin is being significantly under-valued in the market right now than you hold off and wait for his stock to rise before trading him. You definitely don't deal him now (for a lesser return) because Drouin/his agent are trying to force your hand. If a good return is available and you don't foresee any future returns being much greater than maybe you pull the trigger now.

Otherwise you absolutely do not. It is not worth the potential risk it brings to your club to let your whole organization be manipulated by a prospect on an ELC who has no rights in this situation. It is much better to take control of the situation, be in the drivers seat, and say, if you don't wanna play for us you can sit at home and not get paid or play anywhere else until our agreement expires. This puts the ball back in Drouin's court for him to either show up and earn a spot/increase his value or sit at home and rot for 6 years. The outcome of this should be obvious but even if Drouin decides to be a martyr and waste the prime of his career it is still better for the Lightning than selling Drouin now for a diminished return and suffering the future risk involved in allowing Drouin to undermine your entire organization.

James calls this action childish but really signing a contract and refusing to live up to your agreement because of entitlement issues is the only childish thing involved in this scenario. Playing hardball goes both ways and such is the reality of business.

Maloney likely sold too early on Turris (when his value was low) instead of letting him develop into a better player and trading him when his stock had risen.
- RonPielep

Amen, well said.

I am a proud socialist my good man, as are like 99% of people who say they hate socialism. But owners have been exploiting players for years.
- James_Tanner

So now the entire world is under socialism. I'm assuming this another Tanner fact and not an actual fact right? Like Drouin is top 100 player when I gave stats to back up stating he's clearly not.

i see what you're saying about setting the wrong precedent. seems to me like yzerman would be doing the rest of the gm's in the league a favor and not himself. if you have a team of 20 odd guys that earned their roster spots, punting a player in a trade shouldn't change the fact that guys need to earn it. in some ways, it strengthens it.

guys drafted in the 1-4 spots are typically a lot more talented that outside of that. high-achievers like that are sometimes better served developing in the nhl rather than than outside of it where they can become bored and disruptive. i think yzerman may be the other person with a lesson to learn in all of this.

maloney probably sold quickly on turris because he realized that giving playing time and a roster spot to a player who's not in the long-term plans probably pisses off the rest of the dressing room.
- Tumbleweed

It sets a precedent that players are not going to get what they want by defying their agreement and attempting to play hard-ball with management. It's beneficial to Tampa's future in dealing with similar situations and it's beneficial for the rest of the league as well. You lose integrity by letting Walsh push your organization around. This only does you a disservice in any future dealings with a player's agent.

fair enough

the way i see, there is no nhl spot for drouin in tampa given the current roster. drouin probably sees that there should be plenty of teams in the league that will give him an nhl roster spot immediately.

whether the action he took gets him to his goal or not is really his problem. if he is acted in a spoiled way, this may be a good wake up call for him.
- Tumbleweed

Well there was a spot for him. However Marchessault outplayed him while Drouin was injured. The ideal spot for Drouin is alongside Stamkos, but Namestnikov outplayed Drouin and is now in that spot. Bottom line is there is only so much roster space and on this team there are other players on that roster who are "better" players than Drouin. If Drouin was playing better he would be in one of those spots b/c at the end of that day the number one goal of Yzerman and Cooper is to win hockey games and put the best roster of players on the ice which give them the best chance to accomplish that goal. Problem is Drouin isn't willing to admit that right now he isn't one of those players

Technically you have to write
- James_Tanner[Sic] or it's libel since what you are attributing as a direct quote in in act an out-of-context paraphrasing.

No Tanner, it's actually a direct quote, copied and pasted from your post. Thanks though.