Agent for Lightning’s Drouin says forward wants trade

TAMPA, FLA. >> The agent for Tampa Bay forward Jonathan Drouin says the third overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft has requested a trade from the Lightning.

Agent Allan Walsh said in a statement released Sunday — one day after Drouin was assigned to Syracuse of the American Hockey League — that he formally made the request on behalf of the 20-year-old left wing in November.

Drouin was

a

healthy

scratch

for most of Tampa Bay’s run to last year’s Stanley Cup Final. He has been slowed by injuries this season, scoring two goals in 19 games.

“We have not said one word about this untenable situation publicly until today,” Walsh said. “It’s in everyone’s best interests that Jonathan be allowed to move on and play hockey.”

Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman was traveling with the team to Calgary and unavailable for comment on Sunday. The defending Eastern Conference champions open a road trip against the Flames on Tuesday.

On Saturday, Yzerman said Drouin was being sent to the minors to get more playing time.

Walsh’s statement said Drouin “loves playing for the fans in Tampa, he loves his teammates and many people within the Lightning organization have treated him well. It was his sincere intention to play in Tampa for many years.”

Drouin was a healthy scratch for 20 of Tampa Bay’s 26 playoff games last spring, including the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks.