Avalanche have reportedly made their final decision on Jonathan Drouin
Photo credit: Michael Martin / NHLI
With Brock Nelson re-signed and several unrestricted free agents the Colorado Avalanche could look to bring back, where does Jonathan Drouin rank on the team's list of offseason priorities.
Drouin is set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing his second consecutive one-year contract with the Avs.
Drouin is likely on his way out of Colorado.
Stefano Rubino from The Hockey News writes that last offseason, Drouin opted for a one-year "prove it" contract, passing up multiple long-term offers in order to stay with the Avalanche, playing alongside close friend Nathan MacKinnon and contributing in a strong top-six role on a contending team.
"Unfortunately, after a season filled with disappointing performances and injuries that kept him off the ice, he finished with 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 43 games. Although that isn't a 'bad' statline to finish with, barring injuries and all, it's just not enough for many teams to offer long-term value on any pending contracts, including the Avalanche." -Rubino
Injuries have played a major role in Drouin's recent seasons, as he's only surpassed the 60-game mark once since 2018-19, the last time he appeared in 81 games with the Canadiens. Now set to turn 31 next season, his style of play may not longer be the right fit for Colorado's current roster makeup.
"Even now, with the Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets, which freed over $7 million in cap space, is a return still on the table? Does this move reopen the door for MacFarland and Sakic to return to talks and see if they can get him back for another year or two while still having more cap space to re-sign other pending UFAs?" -Rubino
When key forwards like Valeri Nichushkin, Gabriel Landeskog, and Artturi Lehkonen were out, Drouin stepped up admirably alongside Nathan MacKinnon in the top six, showcasing his playmaking vision and an underrated shot. But with the core group expected to be fully healthy to start next season, it raises a legitimate question: does Drouin still have a clear role, or has the team outgrown the need for his presence?
We will soon have the answer as we approach free agency on Tuesday.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 29 | 28 ANSWERS Avalanche have reportedly made their final decision on Jonathan Drouin Has Jonathan Drouin played his last game with the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 18 | 64.3 % |
| no | 10 | 35.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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