Jonathan Drouin Suspended Indefinitely by Lightning: Latest Details and Reaction

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jonathan Drouin has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the Tampa Bay Lightning for missing Wednesday night's AHL Game, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. 

Drouin was assigned to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch in early January after missing extended time due to a lower-body injury. He requested a trade through his agent, Allan Walsh, following his reassignment to Syracuse, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie. 

Walsh released a statement Wednesday night confirming Drouin didn't suit up because a trade may be close, and he doesn't want to risk further injury, per TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie: 

The Lightning formally acknowledged Drouin's trade request on Jan. 3, according to the Tampa Tribune's Erik Erlendsson, and scouts from around the NHL have proceeded to flock to Syracuse games with the Feb. 29 trade deadline approaching. 

"I try not to [think about the scouts], it gets in your head a little bit," Drouin said, according to NHL.com's Joe Yerdon. "You try to focus on your game and the rest will settle itself."

Prior to Drouin's suspension, Syracuse head coach Rob Zettler sounded optimistic regarding the 20-year-old's recent stint in the AHL. 

"I see a kid who is really engaged," Zettler said, per Yerdon. "I see him having some fun, I see him having some fun with his teammates. I asked him what he did yesterday, he said, 'I was just hanging out with the boys.' He's engaged, he seems to be having some fun with his teammates, and we're winning some hockey games, so I think he's having some fun."

Drouin struggled throughout an up-and-down rookie campaign that saw the Lightning reach the Stanley Cup Final, but he figured to have a chance to rebound during his second professional season. 

Now that he's standing on shaky ground with the Lightning, a divorce may be best for both sides as the youngster seeks to revive his career in a new locale.