from Joe Smith of Lightning Strikes,

General manager Steve Yzerman has said Drouin, 20, will get the opportunity to have a larger role, and the left wing appears determined to earn it. Drouin, who put on seven pounds of muscle over the summer, "had a really good jump in his step" Friday, coach Jon Cooper said.

"I'm a big fan of his," Stamkos said. "You can see the work ethic and development last year. It was a struggle, and I can kind of relate to that. The more opportunity you get, the more confidence you get. It looks like he already has made some strides this summer. He's bigger, stronger, faster... He could have a big year."

Drouin, a healthy scratch for 20 of the Lightning's 26 games in the run to the Stanley Cup Final, said he's more prepared and confident, having learned a lot more about the league and its players throughout his rookie season.

"I'm very excited," Drouin said. "I know how to handle a lot of the stuff better, and am definitely more ready."

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