Columbus Blue Jackets are aiming to sign Colorado Avalanche star forward
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin is a notable player who might test the open market this summer when he becomes a free agent.
After moving between teams and facing challenges with consistency early in his career, he appeared to finally settle in and thrive with the Colorado Avalanche.
Columbus Blue Jackets interested in signing Jonathan Drouin this offseason.
Teaming up with his longtime friend Nathan MacKinnon has clearly been beneficial, and it seems both parties are interested in continuing their partnership heading into next season.
Spencer Lazary from The Hockey News writes that Drouin doesn't seem like the kind of player Don Waddell and the Columbus Blue Jackets would pursue as they work on shaping their roster and advancing their rebuild.
"Waddell will likely want to give younger players more opportunity while targeting higher-impact names in free agency. Much like the situation with Jamie Benn, Drouin isn't likely to be on their radar this summer." -Lazary
This season, Drouin scored 11 goals and added 26 assists, totaling 37 points in 43 games. Throughout his career, he has played in 607 games, recording 107 goals and 267 assists for 374 points.
His standout season was just last year, when he notched 56 points in 79 games with Colorado.
On July 1, 2024, Drouin signed a one-year extension with the Avalanche, featuring an average annual value of $1.5 million and a modified no-trade clause. As this summer approaches, contract forecasts indicate he might secure a deal of around four years with a cap hit just below $6 million.
It's more than likely that he'll sign a similar contract with the Avalanche, considering the sharp chemistry that he and MacKinnon share when they play together.
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This scenario doesn't seem very likely, Lazary writes. Drouin appears more comfortable in Colorado than ever, and there's a strong possibility he'll want to stay. However, if he does enter free agency, he'll probably be seeking a contender. Teams like the Oilers or Stars could be good fits if he's aiming for a Stanley Cup.
We'll have to wait for further developments as the summer goes on.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 17 | 13 ANSWERS Columbus Blue Jackets are aiming to sign Colorado Avalanche star forward Do you think there's a chance that Jonathan Drouin signs with the Blue Jackets this offseason? | ||
| yes | 8 | 61.5 % |
| no | 5 | 38.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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