Jimmy Hascup

USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Drouin, the third overall pick from the 2013 draft, has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 20-year-old asked the team to move him in November, according to a statement released Sunday from his agent, Allan Walsh, to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

The public statement from Walsh comes a day after Drouin was sent down to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League "specifically so he gets playing time," Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. Droiun has played 19 games this season because he's been limited by injuries, recording two goals and eight points while averaging 14:07 of playing time. In his career, which spans 89 games, he has six goals and 40 points.

In response to the reveal by Walsh of Drouin's desire for a trade, Yzerman released the following statement on Sunday evening.

“We acknowledge, via communication from his agent, Jonathan Drouin’s request to be traded. Moving forward, my sole intention is to act in the best interest of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey club. In the meantime, Jonathan has been assigned to our American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, and we expect him to report for practice with the rest of his teammates this Tuesday morning.”

Should they choose to proceed with a trade, the Lightning should have no shortage of interested teams. Drouin posted 29 goals and 108 points in the QMJHL prior to being drafted. There's still intrigue around the league for his flashy skill set and offensive abilities. He's in the second season of his three-year, entry-level contract that carries a $894,167 cap hit (though he has performance bonuses that are worth a maximum of $2.3 million).

Here are six of the best fits:

Toronto Maple Leafs: Drouin would be perfect for the rebuilding Maple Leafs to add to their stable of young forwards that includes Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Kasperi Kapanen. He could play now, under the tutelage of coach Mike Babcock and be a significant addition to the team's rebuilding process. The Maple Leafs have been collecting young assets, and could easily part ways with one if they recognize Drouin as a potential game-changer. Drouin also was born in Quebec and played for the Halifax Mooseheads in Nova Scotia.



Nashville Predators: The Predators are contenders, and the Lightning fashion themselves as one, too. If Drouin couldn't play consistently with the Lightning, why should the Predators take a chance on him? Easy. The Predators are 17th in offense and they lack enough skilled forwards who are capable of filling top-six roles. They could benefit from Drouin's wizardry. General manager David Poile seems reluctant to break up the league's best defense, but Droiun could be a player who changes his mind.

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Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are in a transition period — their best offensive players, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, are nearing the twilight of their careers, while the future foundation pieces such as Jared McCann, Bo Horvat and Jake Virtanen are all 20 or younger. Rather than patching holes to pretend you're a contender now, GM Jim Benning should sell out for potential. Drouin could be their leading scorer for a decade once the Sedins retire. And for now, he could learn from two of the best pros.

Arizona Coyotes: We are already seeing the fruits of the Coyotes' rebuild. Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Tobias Rieder and Jordan Martinook are all contributing. But they still need help. Sprinkling in Drouin would add a magical offensive presence. Imagine a top two lines that consists of centers Domi and Dylan Strome and wingers Duclair and Drouin.

New Jersey Devils: Eventually GM Ray Shero is going to have to make a move to boost the offense as his squad is 27th in goals per game. Drouin wouldn't have to worry about his role here. The Devils have some intriguing young defenseman, more than $9 million in cap space and holes in their top six. The ingredients are here for Shero to be creative. Drouin, Pavel Zacha and Kyle Palmieri are young pieces to build around.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus is facing another lost year. Though they are weakest on defense, there are several young forwards on affordable deals that could be attractive to the Lightning. What could make a trade more difficult is that the Blue Jackets are up against the salary cap, and can't assume a bad contract.

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