Emotional statement by Jonathan Drouin revealing important information about the Montreal Canadiens

"A few days before [the start of free agency], we made the decision not to return to the Canadiens. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were really kind to me, but I needed a fresh start. Montreal has been difficult in recent years. I've experienced a lot of ups and downs. I needed a fresh start somewhere else," he said.

"I've had some great moments in Montreal, it's not all negative. I've met some wonderful people and I've grown as a person. I will never tell a Quebecer not to go to Montreal. Even after six years, I still had butterflies when I stepped onto the ice at the Bell Centre. Those are things that will never change. The passion of the fans will always be there. Yes, there's pressure, but if you can handle it, it's a great place to play. Especially now, with the personnel in place. It's going to be a team that will be really good in the future."