Is there a chance that Yzerman realizes he can't lose the talent of both Stamkos and Drouin in a single 100 day window, so he keeps Drouin into next season?
I don't think Drouin ever wants to play for Jon Cooper, Steve Yzerman, or the Tampa Bay organization ever again. I think we're going to see him traded at the deadline.
The Lightning want to win the cup. That'll go a hell of a long way to convincing Stamkos to re-sign. Why not move Drouin for assets or an asset that will help you win a cup this season. Even if it's a young player, that player in your lineup still helps you more than Drouin out of your lineup.
Anyway Yzerman tries to spin it or wait, Drouin will not be a member of the Lightning organization. Move him while you have Stamkos and a shot at the cup with, really, Washington being the only
real threat I can identify in the Eastern Conference.