The Kids' Table: How You Drouin?

After a week off, we're back with another installment of TKT, and it seems the focus of the prospecting world is currently on Tampa Bay Lightning youngster Jonathan Drouin. If you aren't familiar with Drouin's situation, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet wrote a great piece on the matter that should get you up to speed. We've seen this type of scenario plenty of times, not only in the NHL, but in other sports as well. A high draft pick thinks he deserves to be a top-six forward for the big team, but in fact he probably could use some more seasoning in the minors. It's a tale as old as time. The fact is that Drouin hasn't really proven anything at the NHL level, and as Johnston points out, the kid has little to no leverage.

What makes the story even more polarizing – aside from Drouin's pedigree as a prospect – is that the Bolts are now in a tougher spot than they were a year ago. Tampa Bay made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last season and gave the Blackhawks a run for their money. Instead of being clear-cut contenders this season, they have struggled on offense and been underwhelming on special teams. The future of impending free agent Steven Stamkos is up in the air, and Drouin's imminent departure only puts Yzerman a step back in terms of insurance plans if Stamkos leaves this offseason (or at the trade deadline). Let's dive into this a bit deeper and break down what this means for Drouin owners in deep dynasty leagues.

Valuing Drouin Moving Forward

Let's make no mistake: Despite his struggles and poor attitude thus far, Drouin remains an elite prospect with a pretty high ceiling. There are a number of teams rumored to be interested in trading for him, but a frontrunner really hasn't emerged yet. Nonetheless, any trade out of Tampa seems likely to be a positive change.

Obviously, moving on from a murky situation to a clearer one is going to help Drouin's morale and playing prospects alike. The team that acquires him should have a need for a young, top-six forward and be willing to give him a shot at living up to his pedigree as the 2013 No. 3 overall pick. That said, it's hard to argue that he'll be playing with more talent, considering Tampa Bay's lineup currently features the likes of Stamkos, Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat.

Unfortunately, Drouin isn't the type of player who will elevate those around him; rather, he feeds off his linemates. This was most evident while he was on a line with Nathan MacKinnon when the two were with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. You could argue that Drouin's junior numbers were a bit inflated thanks to MacKinnon's playmaking.

Ultimately, I don't think Drouin will bust, but I also don't see him turning out to be the elite producer everyone thought he would be coming out of the draft. His stock should be considered similar to Nino Niederreiter's back when he was dealt from the Islanders to the Wild, although Nino had much more experience at the NHL level. Drouin probably does need a bit more seasoning in the AHL, but it seems likely that whatever team acquires him throws him right into the NHL mix.

Best-Case Destinations

So far, these are the teams reportedly interested in acquiring Drouin: Canadiens, Wild, Blues, Ducks, Hurricanes and Predators. It makes sense for most teams around the league to go after someone of Drouin's potential at what should be a reduced price, a few frontrunners really stand out.

St. Louis

Kevin Shattenkirk has reportedly been placed on the trade block, so a deal with the Lightning that involves Drouin makes a lot of sense for both sides. Defensemen like Shattenkirk are hard to come by, but the Blues feel they needs more help in the scoring department, which Drouin could likely provide alongside Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen. It's hard to land in a much better spot than that.

Minnesota

The Wild have four defensemen locked up long-term, while Mathew Dumba is heading to restricted free agency this offseason. A deal centered on swapping Dumba for Drouin has been rumored, and that seems like a slam dunk for both sides. Drouin would make Minnesota's aging top-six forward group much younger and perhaps bring some life to a less-than-stellar power-play unit.

Montreal

Drouin would be close to home in Montreal and could be the spark (along with the return of Carey Price) that ignites the Habs back to the top of the Atlantic Division standings. I'm sure GM Marc Bergevin would love to form a long-term top line of Drouin, Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens could also use his help on the man advantage.

Anaheim

Anaheim might as well change its name to Struggle City with the kind of seasons Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are having right now. The Ducks have failed to find any long-term sidekick for Perry and Getzlaf, so perhaps Drouin is the perfect experiment if he doesn't cost GM Bob Murray too much. They may be a wild card in the Drouin sweepstakes, but the Ducks may actually present the highest-upside situation.

Final Thoughts

If you're an impatient owner, see what Drouin can do after the trade deadline and decide his fate in the offseason. If you're willing to wait it out and see where Drouin lands, I'd suggest having some sort of backup plan. Perhaps keep an eye on Brayden Point, who will become the Bolts' top forward prospect after Drouin is dealt.

But most importantly, remember that Drouin is still only 20 years old. The right coach, the right team and the right attitude could shift his narrative from bust in progress to comeback story of the year.