Canadiens acquire Jonathan Drouin from Tampa Bay

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens announced on Thursday that the team has acquired forward Jonathan Drouin and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2018 from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for Mikhail Sergachev and a conditional second-round pick in 2018. 

The 22-year-old Drouin took part in 73 games in 2016-17 with Tampa Bay, registering 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists). He recorded nine of his goals and 26 points on the powerplay, adding six game-winning goals. He averaged 17:42 of ice time per game and served 16 penalty minutes.

The 5'11'' and 188 lbs forward has played 164 career NHL regular season games since his debut in 2014-15. Drouin has recorded 95 points (29 goals, 66 assists), including seven game-winning goals, and 54 penalty minutes. He has scored 12 goals and produced 34 points while on the powerplay. Drouin amassed 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 23 NHL playoff contests.

A product of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, Drouin collected 242 points (77 goals, 165 assists) in 128 games in the junior ranks. He helped the Mooseheads win the 2013 Memorial Cup tournament, ranking tied for fourth in the tournament with nine points (1 goal, 8 assists) in four games.

On the international stage, Drouin suited up for Canada at the 2013 (bronze medal) and 2014 World Junior Championships. He represented Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

A native of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, Drouin was selected in the first round, third overall by the Lightning at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Sergachev, 18, skated in four games with the Canadiens this season, recording a plus-1 rating. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman made his NHL debut last season on October 13 against the Buffalo Sabres. He also played in 50 games with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, posting 10 goals and 43 points. Sergachev led all Spitfire defensemen for assists (33), points, power-play assists (10) and penalty minutes (71).

The Nizhnekamsk, Russia native recently won the 2017 Memorial Cup as a member of the Spitfires. Sergachev posted a goal and four points in four games during the Memorial Cup tournament. He also notched a goal and three assists in seven OHL playoff games. Sergachev has played in 117 games during two OHL seasons, both with Windsor, registering 27 goals and 100 points.

Sergachev was originally selected by Montreal in the first round, ninth overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft. 

RUMORS: Ducks and Wild involved with Jonathan Drouin discussion; Boedker being linked to Islanders

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Jonathan Drouin has been involved in many NHL trade rumors recently. But since today is trade deadline day for 2016, it shouldn't be a surprise that there are two teams are reportedly involved in discussion with the Tampa Bay Lightning about Drouin.

Those two teams are the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild.

Another rumor circulating (we should say that it is a small one) is that Arizona Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedeker has had his anme linked to the New York Islanders. Also, the Coyotes are rumored for wanting to trade forward Martin Hanzal. Could we see a trade between the Coyotes and the Islanders?

Please note that these are just rumors, and that the likely hood of Drouin ding traded on Monday is extremely likely.

Lightning suspend Drouin for missing AHL game

"The Neutral Zone" Suspension Report

The Tampa Bay Lightning suspended forward Jonathan Drouin indefinitely without pay Wednesday for failing to report to an American Hockey League game between the Syracuse Crunch and Toronto Marlies.

Drouin, the No. 3 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, has been with Syracuse since Jan. 2. A trade request made on his behalf by his agent in November was revealed the next day.

Tampa Bay said it will have no further comment.

Lightning's Drouin asks to be traded

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Jonathan Drouin

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin requested to be traded in November, according to a statement released by his agent.

Drouin, the third pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, was assigned to Syracuse of the American Hockey League on Saturday. He had six points (one goal, five assists) in his first five games this season, but missed 19 games because of injuries and has two points in his past 14 games.

"On behalf of Jonathan Drouin, I formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in November," Drouin's agent, Allan Walsh, said in a statement. "We have not said one word about this untenable situation publicly until today. It's in everyone's best interests that Jonathan be allowed to move on and play hockey. Let's be clear, Jonathan loves playing for the fans in Tampa, he loves his teammates and many people within the Lightning organization have treated him well. It was his sincere intention to play in Tampa for many years."