Jonathan Drouin Has Thumb Fracture

Sep 24, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin (27) handles the puck against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators beat the Lightning 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

The preseason hasn’t even started yet and the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to be without one of their most exciting players as Jonathan Drouin has a ‘slight’ right thumb fracture.

According to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune, Drouin will miss “three to four weeks.”

Drouin apparently hurt his hand on Thursday when he landed and fell awkwardly.

Despite the injury, Drouin’s roster spot should still be secure. The Lightning’s regular season opener is on Oct. 9 when they host the Florida Panthers.

However, due to Tampa’s depth up front, they likely won’t rush Drouin back into the line up.

The 19-year-old was named by ESPN last month of the NHL’s number one prospect.

In other Bolts news, Brayden Point (Moose Jaw), Ben Thomas (Calgary), Cristiano DiGiacinto (Hamilton) and Dominik Masin (Peterborough) were reassigned to their junior teams.

Michael Aviani and Kodie Curran were released.

Tampa Bay’s first preseason game is tonight when they face the Nashville Predators at the Amalie Arena. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. eastern.