MONTREAL | Jonathan Drouin probably imagined a happier scenario for the first game of the season against the Maple Leafs than standing on the press bridge with Michael Pezzetta.
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Just hours before the start of this season, Kent Hughes spoke about the Drouin file. Like Martin St-Louis, the Canadiens’ general manager chose the right words and emphasized that he was always a pleasure to work with.
“Jo is coming off an injury and was ill at camp,” said Hughes. He missed part of the camp. I think there was also concern about giving him too many games as he was coming back from injury and a long absence. Jo is a bit late. »
“But he is part of our team. We have 14 attackers, we have 14 good attackers. Jo and Martin have a very positive dialogue. I see no problem with that. Jo is a good teammate. I also like that there will be healthy competition among our players. We also know that a team rarely stays healthy. »
another season
On a purely contractual level, Drouin will play big this 2022-2023 season. In his final year of contract, which earns him 5.5 million, the number 27 will define his future in Montreal but also in the NHL in the coming months.
When asked if there was a future for Drouin in Montreal, Hughes was vague.
“Jo is in the last year of his contract, he’s not the only one in this situation with the Canadiens,” the GM said. Players who show us that they can continue to contribute to the team’s success will have a future with the team. But I can’t answer that now. »
Having wrist surgery last year, Drouin only appeared in 34 games. He scored 6 goals and had 14 assists for a total of 20 points.
Matheson on hold
Hughes also offered news from the infirmary. Mike Matheson, with a lower body injury, will miss the first games of the season. The CH will await the results of an MRI scan before making an accurate diagnosis.
In the case of Joel Edmundson, he started skating again a week ago.
“There’s progress,” remarked Hughes. But we don’t have a firm date for his return. Nevertheless, we are encouraged. »
The tall defender is recovering from another back injury.
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