Lightning's Drouin looking to follow in the footsteps of Panthers' Huberdeau

Jonathan Drouin is set to make the jump the NHL more than a full calendar year after being selected second overall in the 2013 Draft, and he's looking to replicate the rookie season of another former QMJHL forward: Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau.

It's a tale of two Jonathans, if you will.

Huberdeau was also drafted third overall by the Panthers in 2011 after an incredible 105 point performance (43 goals, 62 assists) while leading the Saint John Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup championship. He was returned to the QMJHL by the Panthers for extra seasoning, and remained there until the end of the NHL lockout in 2013.

In his first year in the NHL, Huberdeau scored 14 goals and added 17 assists in 48 games, earning himself the Calder Trophy as the League's top rookie.

Similarly, Drouin was selected third overall after helping his Halifax Mooseheads win the Memorial Cup; on top of that, he also recorded 105 points in his Draft year (41 goals, 64 assists), albeit in 18 fewer games than it took Huberdeau to reach that mark.

Now, heading into his rookie season, Drouin said he'd like to add the Calder to his resume: "I want to follow in [Huberdeau's] footsteps," he told RDS.ca. "He had a good first year and I want it to be the same for me. "

Drouin added the extra time in junior had its benefits. 

"I had very good years in Halifax, but I think it's time to move on," he said. "I think I'm more ready than last year. I'm more mature physically. I had time to grow a bit more and I know what to expect this year."

The 19-year-old still has to earn a spot on the team, of course, but it will surprise no one when he does, nor will anyone be shocked if he enjoys his first offseason next summer as the reigning rookie of the year.