Jonathan Drouin has not played since March due to a right wrist injury. At the dawn of the new season, beyond the repechage and new acquisitions, it is being led by Martin St-Louis that excites him the most.
Posted at 5:53 p.m.
The 27-year-old forward had just returned from a ball hockey game at IGA Stadium that featured ATP stars like Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz and National Hockey League players like him and Jonathan Huberdeau.
Smiling, but above all sweaty, Drouin revealed to the media that his rehabilitation was complete and that he had already started skating again. “It feels good to play hockey for real,” visibly relieved.
Drouin ended his season in March with a right wrist injury, and although his absence lasted several months, he worked behind the scenes to return to the best of his abilities. He also expressed his gratitude to the coaches and doctors of the organization for having ensured regular and optimal follow-up.
Nevertheless, the Canadiens player still has to adapt, especially for his shots: “We have to change things, my wrist will never come back as it was. It’s part of the sport we do, but of course there are times that are more difficult than others, ”he said.
Can’t wait to play for St-Louis
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Martin St-Louis, head coach of the Canadiens
Although general manager Kent Hughes revamped his roster, acquired players like Kirby Dach and drafted several talented players, including Juraj Slafkovsky at the very first rank, it was Martin St-Louis who he most looks forward to rubbing shoulders with.
I didn’t play last year with Martin. Just the way he talks about hockey is impressive. I can’t wait to do his practices and get into a game.
Jonathan Drouin
He also greatly admires the work of senior management. Although he has been a bit more withdrawn from the club in recent months, he believes his bosses have made wise choices and that the organization is laying the foundations for a promising future.
“We had an excellent repechage this year. We picked first, but even a guy like Lane Hudson has a lot of talent. […] the team made good choices in general. »
He also knows that his role will be different this year. At 27, he will be one of the most experienced players in the team and he hopes he can be a good anchor for his younger teammates. “In Tampa Bay, I had the help of a lot of veterans. You don’t have to be the most talkative or the loudest to be a good leader. If a guy gives you advice on life or on how to improve your game, it’s fun and young people are open. »
A week at the IGA stadium
A great tennis fan, Drouin will spend the week at Jarry Park, as he does every summer, to admire the best players in the world.
As his two favorite players, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, are absent, he will be in the camp of Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime. “He’s so calm, you don’t see a difference when it’s bad or when it’s good. He moves so well. At his age, at the level he is playing, he can just improve,” he said in conclusion.