Canadiens end Jonathan Drouin's hopes of playing full season

Montreal Canadiens forward Jonathan Drouin hasn't been able to play a full NHL Season since the 2018-19 campaign due to various injuries as well as having taken a leave of absence to deal with anxiety issues. While he made his return to the lineup last season, he would eventually once again be absent from action after undergoing wrist surgery.

But for Drouin, who is entering the final season of his six-year, $5.5 million deal, he'll have to wait to make his season debut. The Habs have released their lineup for tonight's opening game against their Original 6 rival Toronto Maple Leafs, and his name is conspicuously absent from head coach Martin St. Louis' line combinations. 

“Joe is in the final year of his contract," Hughes said. "He’s not the only player in the final year of his contract. The players that show to us that they can continue to contribute to the team in a positive manner, it’s certain they could have a future with the team. But I can’t answer at the moment. That will be judged during the season.”

Last season with the Habs, Drouin scored six goals with 14 assists in 34 total games before undergoing wrist surgery, ending his season.