Habs’ GM Bergevin gives update on Jonathan Drouin

Jonathan Drouin missed the entire Montreal Canadien’s run to the Stanley Cup final, which they ended up losing in five games to the Lightning in Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

On Friday, it was time for players, coach Dominique Ducharme and general manager Marc Bergevin to meet with reporters and finally, the latter offered an update on Drouin’s situation. 

Back in late April, the Canadiens announced that Drouin would take an indefinite leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. Teammates, including Phillip Danault, also a French-speaking player from the province of Quebec, had opened up about what might be hurting Drouin and how serious this is, speaking about bullying and mental health issues. 

It was clear that Drouin’s mental health needed a break from all of the pressure that has been placed on his shoulders.  Drouin has not played since April 21st against the Edmonton Oilers. During warm-ups of the next game, he was seen speaking with team trainers and did not return to take part in the contest. He has since missed Montreal’s last three games as he has dealt with a “non-COVID illness.” He spent all of this time, alone, in his hotel room… In 44 games this season, Drouin scored two goals and added 21 assists. He was even asked by a reporter how he felt about his lack of goals this year, and answered with frustration that there was another important column to his stat sheet, pointing out his 21 assists. 

On Friday, Bergevin revealed what he could to media, stating that Drouin is doing much better. However, he couldn’t comment on his future right now.

But Bergevin said what fans were hoping to hear : Drouin is doing better and that is so good to heard. 

We can only hope that Drouin will make the best decision for his mental health.