Latest report confirms that Jonathan Drouin has likely played his last game with the Avalanche
Photo credit: ColoradoHockeyNow.com
Jonathan Drouin is set to hit the open market on July 1, and unlike last offseason, a quick return to the Colorado Avalanche on the first day of free agency seems unlikely this time.
Drouin is set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing his second consecutive one-year contract with the Avs.
Latest report confirms Jonathan Drouin's fate with the Avalanche.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that according to a source cited by ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, it appears the Avalanche may not have a spot for Drouin in their lineup moving forward.
«Discussions are ongoing with Colorado ahead of July 1, but the Avalanche have under $2 million in cap space with other lineup priorities to address. Hence, the talented winger will likely hit the market, unless some additional space opens up in the 11th hour.» -Wyshynski
Drouin, 30, earned $2.5 million last season following a career resurgence in 2023-24, when he posted 11 goals and 37 points in 43 regular-season games on a $850,000 deal. However, his season was also marred with injuries.
"The most interesting part of Wyshynski's report is the very last part. It doesn't sound entirely like Colorado is unwilling to sign him. It sounds more like the team will be able to bring him back if they free up cap space and can come to terms on another bargain deal." -Deen
Drouin had a tough postseason, managing just three assists in seven games and finishing with a -5 rating. His ice time also dropped significantly, playing under 11 minutes in each of the final four games.
"If Drouin returns, he would be insurance for the top six. Which isn't a bad idea given the history of Nichushkin, Landeskog, and even Artturi Lehkonen, who has struggled with notable injuries over the past two seasons. But his inability to perform on the third line in the postseason is an issue." -Deen
You can't justify paying for top-six insurance if the player can't contribute in a bottom-six role. Maybe those seven playoff games were just an off stretch for Drouin, but it's a concern that GM Chris MacFarland can't afford to ignore.
We'll see where this goes come July 1.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 32 ANSWERS Latest report confirms that Jonathan Drouin has likely played his last game with the Avalanche Will Drouin sign a last minute extension with the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 17 | 53.1 % |
| no | 15 | 46.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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