Jonathan Drouin out with lower-body injury

The Hockey Central panel breaks down how Steven Stamkos' absence will affects the Tampa Bay Lightning, but first stressed how seriously scary a diagnosis of a blood clot in the arm is for anyone, let alone an athlete.

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, and current Syracuse Crunch forward, Jonathan Drouin is out for Sunday’s game against the Utica Comets with a lower-body injury.

According to Crunch head coach Rob Zettler, Drouin “tweaked” something in his lower body.

The 21-year-old has not played an NHL game since Dec. 30 but was being considered for a promotion to the Lightning after star centre Steven Stamkos was lost to a blood clot in his arm.

Drouin refused to report the Crunch on Jan. 20 and was suspended indefinitely without pay. He returned to the team on March 8.

The third overall pick in 2013 has 11 goals and two assists in 17 games with the Crunch this season.

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