Montreal Canadiens: What does the future hold for Jonathan Drouin?
By Omar L
Drouin’s on-ice numbers haven’t been horrible despite his lack of production. His lines has been on the positive end of Corsi-For exceeding 50% but what hasn’t looked all too well are his scoring chances.
He’s been underwhelming in that category only having one or two every few games. It’s even worse when looking at the high-danger scoring chances as Drouin has four total in his last 15 games. The last time he looked dangerous was during the Winnipeg Jets game when he had three high-danger chances which led to a two-goal and two-assist night.
It’s not only the chances he creates for himself, but for his linemates as well. Drouin has had the most success when paired with Domi and Andrew Shaw having six and five respective primary assists on a portion of their goals this season. He is every bit a part of the dynamic goal scoring the Habs have at even strength.
But let’s keep things in perspective. Drouin is having a career year being three points away from tying his high of 53 points set with the Tampa Bay Lightning before joining the Montreal Canadiens the following offseason.
Where the frustration lies in Drouin’s games are what he puts on the ice, and more often than not, it’s a nonchalant effort when the team is in desperate need of a push. It also comes down to the comparative aspect of the discussion.
Drouin is the highest paid forward on the Montreal Canadiens with a $5.5 million cap-hit. However, some of the lower paid players such as Gallagher, Shaw, and Paul Byron have that ‘no-quit’ drive train which fans have come to love and appreciate over the years. It’s a knock not to have Drouin reach that limit though there is time left for him to get there.