Jonathan Drouin could be back on the ice before we know it. Just not with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After an earlier trade rumor Wednesday that at least 10 teams were interested in Drouin, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman cleared the air on his intentions regarding the talented 20-year-old winger.
“I definitely prefer to deal him sooner than later — it would be better for everyone,” Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times. “A lot of things factor into it when making the trade, a lot of things to consider here. But No. 1 is, can I do something involving Jonathan that benefits the team that makes us better right now that helps us for the playoffs? I’d certainly like to do that.”
Yzerman further elaborated on how he hopes to improve the defending Eastern Conference champions, admitting it’s easier said than done.
“I’ve found it very difficult to trade core guys,” Yzerman explained. “And you have to give up something to get something, and it’s hard to do. We’re all trying to make trades where we’re getting something we like, but none of us want to give up anything that we like. Trading both of those players last year was difficult, they were both good guys and (had) been (a) big part of the team. We had our reasons for doing it and were happy to acquire Braydon (Coburn) and think he’s been an excellent contributor to our team, and remains this year as well.
“Every time we talk about a trade with another team, you’re hoping to give up as little as you can, but the reality is if you want something, you have to pay for it, and that’s what you’ve got to do.”
Yzerman can only hope that buyers aiming to land Drouin play by those same set of rules.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports Images
