The holdout by Tampa Bay forward Jonathan Drouin has entered its second month. It could be over soon, however.
Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times that, all things being equal, he would like to trade Drouin by Monday’s trade deadline. Reports are that as many as 10 teams are interested.
Drouin demanded a trade after a slow start to the season. He was suspended Jan. 20 after refusing to show for a Syracuse game.
“A lot of things factor into it when making the trade, a lot of things to consider here,” general manager Yzerman said. “But number one 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.
“It’s not just our salary cap, it’s the team that you’re trying to make a deal with salary cap too. “That’s what everybody doesn’t really understand. When trying to make a deal involving players and contracts, it’s got to work for both teams. It’s not just mine. It proves challenging for everyone.”
