Jonathan Drouin's recent move has Avalanche fans stunned and confused
Photo credit: Minas Panagiotakis / Eyes On Isles
Colorado Avalanche fans are left stunned and bewildered after New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin not only made a surprising move but also changed his jersey number, adding an unexpected twist to the latest development.
Drouin sparks outrage by choosing to wear the jersey number of a former beloved Islanders star.
Jonathan Drouin will sport No. 29 with the Islanders this upcoming season.
Michael Stahurski from Eyes On Isles writes that perhaps the most surprising move in Mathieu Darche's early tenure as New York Islanders GM has been the signing of Drouin.
Tonight, as the Matt Martin Foundation hosts its annual Charity Poker Tournament, Will Chiarucci shared a photo on X showing players' jerseys spread across different tables.
It appears Drouin will wear No. 29 with the Islanders, the number most recently worn by Brock Nelson.
"Nelson, who spent 12 seasons with the Islanders after being selected 30th overall at the 2010 NHL Draft, solidified himself as one of the best players to wear the blue and orange since the dynasty years of the 80s." -Stahurski
Since Nelson only departed the Islanders in March, traded to the Avalanche for Cal Ritchie and a 2026 first-round pick, it may take some time for Islanders fans to get used to seeing another player wearing No. 29.
"During his time with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, Lightning, and Avalanche, Drouin wore No. 27. While playing for his hometown Canadiens, he wore No. 92. With his typical No. 27 currently occupied by Captain Anders Lee and recently retired by John Tonelli, the number was unavailable." -Stahurski
While it may feel awkward at first seeing a new nameplate alongside No. 29, a strong start from Drouin could quickly shift fans' focus away from the number and onto his play. With Darche at the helm, there's no lingering allegiance to Nelson, he's ready to usher in a new era on Long Island.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 23 ANSWERS Jonathan Drouin's recent move has Avalanche fans stunned and confused Do you support Drouin's decision to sport No. 29 next season with the Islanders? | ||
| yes | 16 | 69.6 % |
| no | 7 | 30.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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