Yzerman is absolutely in the driver's seat here.
It is a different story if Drouin is in his 5th season and still can't make the roster. He isn't that far into his pro career (though his injury history is worrisome). It is a different story if nobody is inquiring about Drouin at all, and Yzerman has to wait for basically any offer. There are 16+ teams now apparently interested, and you have to assume that is going to drive the price up. Plus, there are scouts going specifically to watch him play in the AHL.
I would say Drouin will get a decent return. I do also think that Drouin's trade value has diminished significantly since the draft, but I do still think there are enough teams that believe he can be a game-changing type of player.
|