Jonathan Drouin makes statement on 2021-22 season

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. When meeting with reporters at the end of the season, GM Marc Bergevin offered an update on Drouin’s situation, stating that the forward was doing much better. 

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. 

But then over the offseason, it was said that Drouin was indeed doing much better and even took pictures with fans that showed him looking healthy. 

On Tuesday, Drouin held his annual golf tournament and told RDS’ Pierre Houde that he was seriously ready to play centre in Montreal this upcoming season. 

His agent Allan Walsh also shared news on Tuesday during the tournament saying how proud he was to “be working with Jo, who cares so much about his community and has always given back from his first days as a member of the Habs.”

Nothing official has been said on the Canadiens’ side to announce Drouin’s return so we will keep an eye on this, especially closer to training camp. 

We only hope that the Habs make the best decision for Drouin’s mental and keep hoping he is healthy and happy.