There’s a belief around the league that it’s difficult to perform in your hometown, but Jonathan Drouin hopes to overcome that with the Montreal Canadiens.
There are many dreams that a young hockey player has growing up. To play in the NHL and to win a Stanley Cup are two of the main ones. However, there is a third that some don’t get the chance to accomplish: to play for your hometown team. New addition Jonathan Drouin is thankfully getting the chance to do that with the Montreal Canadiens.
Pressure is something that’s brought up a lot in the NHL. It’s pretty intense when you’re a player on a team that is relied on for success. Other times, you get a lot of pressure to perform if you’re one the one’s making the most on the team. Playing for your hometown team however is one of those pressures that some actively try to avoid.
When you’re a young star brought in as a massive addition to your hometown team, the expectations are through the roof for you to be a difference maker the following season. Some players wont be able to handle that. There is no doubt in any Habs fans mind that Drouin will meet and exceed all expectations. Marc Bergevin knew what he was acquiring in the 22-year old, and was more than willing to pay the price for it.
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Born to be a Canadien
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It was a dream come true for Drouin when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. The Quebec-native said at his press conference that:
"It’s a childhood dream, but not just for me. Especially for my dad, because his son will be playing for the Canadiens"
Drouin has fully embraced the fact that he is now a Montreal Canadien. He’s done interviews and has gone out into the community. In fact, he had a pretty funny bit for HabsTV where he went out and interviewed Canadiens fans.
It hasn’t stopped there. He along with team captain Max Pacioretty were guest presenters at the Just For Laughs Gala in Montreal.
Max Pacioretty & @jodrouin27 au Montreal An Intervention Gala #JFLMTL #375MTL @justforlaughs @375Mtl @CanadiensMTL #habs #gohabsgo pic.twitter.com/11alf1n6iP
— Rozon (@RozonFamily) August 1, 2017
Now obviously the face of the team is and will continue to be Carey Price. However, Montreal Canadiens fans have the opportunity to have a Quebec superstar in the making to stand behind. It’s already starting to look like the Canadiens are beginning to recognize this.
Is there going to be pressure? Of course there will be. However, with all that Drouin has had to overcome, there’s no telling that he will be the star we all know he will be.
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Do you think Drouin can be the star we hope him to be? What do you think about hometown pressure on players? Let us know your thoughts down below!