Eleven points in 12 playoff games for Jonathan Drouin: who'd have thunk it?
Apparently, the Tampa Bay Lightning - although it wasn't easy after the forward's trade request, which engulfed the team in a seemingly never-ending saga.
"I think in the back of everyone's mind, I'm sure you're not human if you're not a little pissed off at him for (what happened)," Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said of the situation, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "And he understands that. I think that's the first step that made the transition easy was he understood he might have not been acting in the best interest of the team and himself, but he manned up.
"That took a lot to say, 'You know what, maybe I made a mistake. I want to get a chance to come back and play in the minors.' Probably not ever thinking he would get a call back, but just giving himself a chance."
Drouin has flourished in his second chance with the club, consistently one of the most noticeable skaters on the team as he showcases the skill that drew Tampa Bay to draft him third overall in 2013.
His teammates have noticed the way he's stepped up as they get deeper into the postseason.
"You always knew he had tremendous talents and he's putting everything together," defenseman Victor Hedman said. "He's a treat to watch. We're just happy to have him because we need him. He's one of those difference-makers that you need on a team if you want to go deep, especially with Stammer missing."
Tampa Bay, sitting three wins away from a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, appreciates what Drouin has provided when it matters most.
"The beauty of the sport is you never know. Injuries happen, he gets called up and goes through (everything) and trains his ass off for the two months ... and he comes back a machine," Stamkos said.
