Former Avalanche star breaks silence and reveals shocking truth for leaving Colorado
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
After two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, star forward Jonathan Drouin has finally revealed why he chose to sign a contract with the New York Islanders in free agency this offseason.
Drouin inked a two-year contract worth $4 million with an AAV of $2 million per season.
Drouin reveals truth for leaving Colorado.
A recent story from Eyes On Isles reports that after reviving his career with the Avalanche, Drouin is set for a fresh chapter with the Islanders. The 29-year-old signed a two-year deal on July 1 and expressed excitement about joining a team he believes is a perfect fit both on and off the ice.
«It just felt like a good spot for me. I really like the forward group. Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal are two very talented offensive players. I also like the defense corps. I've played with Romanov before, and they just re-signed him. It's a team I've always liked.» -Drouin
Drouin also cited his strong ties to the Islanders' coaching staff as a key factor in his decision.
«Ray Bennett was in Colorado with me, and we had a really good relationship. Now that he's with the Islanders, that made it even more appealing. Patrick Roy coached against me a lot in junior, so I know him a little bit too. It just all came together.» -Drouin
Drouin credited his time in Colorado with reigniting his passion for the game following a challenging period in Montreal.
«Colorado helped me rediscover my game. My time in Montreal wasn't great, but I found my passion again. Playing with Nate [MacKinnon] helped a lot, and I'm hoping to bring that energy to Long Island. I've got two kids and a third on the way, so there's no golf or fishing for me this summer. That's part of why I chose the Islanders. It's a short flight or drive from home, which will make it easier for my family and friends.» -Drouin
Drouin was also touched by how quickly the Islanders made him feel at home.
«Just a few days after signing, they sent a package, jerseys, and hats for my kids. You can tell they care about the players and their families. That means a lot.» -Drouin
For Drouin, the Islanders are more than just a new team, they represent an opportunity to continue his career in a place that meets his needs both on and off the ice.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 24 ANSWERS Former Avalanche star breaks silence and reveals shocking truth for leaving Colorado Are you upset that forward Jonathan Drouin chose not to re-sign in Colorado? | ||
| yes | 8 | 33.3 % |
| no | 16 | 66.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
