The National Hockey League kicks off its regular season Tuesday night, but instead of skating for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jonathan Drouin will lace up for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Halifax Mooseheads.

The 18-year-old forward was the Canadian Hockey League’s most valuable player last season and he was the third pick in the 2013 NHL draft. Despite his success, Drouin was one of 11 players let go from the Lightning on Sunday.

“Obviously, I’d lie if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” says Drouin. “Like I said, you want to stay up there and play in the big league, but, like I said, I’m still young, I’m 18, so there is a lot of years ahead of me.”

Drouin travelled back to Halifax on Monday afternoon and news of his return has stirred up a lot excitement with Mooseheads fans.

Super-fan Keith Richard flew to Saskatoon last year to watch the Mooseheads win the Memorial Cup. He says he is elated to see Drouin back on his team.

“I’m pretty excited about it, saving my money for the Memorial Cup again,” says Richard.

Richard isn’t the only fan who’s thrilled to see the star forward back on Halifax ice.

“The roof will be coming off the first time he is on the ice,” says fan Don King. “Hopefully that will make him proud to come back.”

“I’m very excited,” says fan Declan King. “I think the team will happily take him back. I don’t think there will be any complaints from the crowd.”

Drouin says he appreciates the support of the fans.

“Fans have been great for all the years I've been here. It's a great place to play hockey,” says Drouin.

Cam Russell, general manager for the Halifax Mooseheads, says he has mixed feelings about Drouin’s return.

He knows it is disappointing for Drouin, but is glad for the boost it will give the Mooseheads. The team has had a slow start to the season, with just three wins in seven games.

“It’s just getting a little bit older, a little bit stronger, a little bit quicker,” says Russell. “You’re playing with men, so definitely another year of junior will help speed him along.”

Some may see a return to the QMJHL after being drafted as a step backward, but the move has proven productive for some players.

Jonathan Huberdeau returned to the Saint John Sea Dogs during last year’s lockout and went on to win the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Drouin’s first night back in the green and red jersey will be Tuesday night, as the Mooseheads face off against the Sea Dogs at Harbour Station.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Plowman