Former Lightning 53-Point Forward Is Still A Free Agent

It has been a few week since the start of the 2026-27 season. Although this is the case, a former Tampa Bay Lightning forward remains a free agent: Jonathan Drouin.

Drouin is still a free agent after being bought out by the St. Louis Blues during the off-season. In 64 games during this past season split between the New York Islanders and Blues, the former Lightning forward recorded four goals, 20 assists, and 24 points. This was after he had 11 goals and 37 points in only 43 games for the Colorado Avalanche during the 2024-25 campaign. 

Teams looking for more forward depth could consider signing Drouin as the season carries on. This is especially so if an NHL club is dealing with multiple injuries to their forward group. 

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Drouin can find another home in the NHL with the season here. If a team feels that he can bounce back, he could very well end up getting signed.

Drouin was selected by the Lightning with the third-overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. In 164 games over three seasons with Tampa Bay, he recorded 29 goals, 66 assists, and 95 points. This included him posting 21 goals and 53 points in 73 games for the Lightning in 2016-17.