Jonathan Drouin makes his NHL debut after injury to Alex Killhorn

EDMONTON – The long-awaited NHL debut of Jonathan Drouin for the Tampa Bay Lightning is now a reality.

Despite reports earlier in the day that he would be a healthy scratch against the Oilers in Edmonton on Monday, Drouin was inserted into the lineup after Alex Killorn suffered an injury in the morning skate.

The  left winger said he got word he’d be starting his first NHL game after the morning skate.

“It’s a loud building so there were nerves going into the warm-up, but as the game went on I think it got better and better,” said Drouin.  “It was a good first game for me, but we didn’t get the win so there’s still a lot of work to do.”

The Edmonton Oilers found their way into the win column, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2.

Drouin was the third pick at the 2013 NHL Draft and was recalled from a two-game conditioning stint with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, where he scored a goal and had two assists.

The 19-year-old recorded 29 goals and 108 points in 46 games with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season.

Drouin wore jersey No. 27 for the game against the Oilers.

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