2024-25 Do-It-Yourself Avalanche Jonathan Drouin – Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche

Jonathan Drouin has one of the most interesting careers out there. The third overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Drouin was once thought to be on the same ballpark as Halifax Mooseheads teammate and first overall pick Nathan MacKinnon.

For a while, it looked like he could live up to the extraordinary hype, but the high level of production never materialized. Yet here we are, 10 years into his NHL career, and Jonathan Drouin may finally have a chance to “break out” and get himself a long-term contract.

Drouin’s Beginnings in Tampa Bay and Junior Years in Montreal

Drouin hasn’t really done much in his first two seasons in the league. He showed the ability to play but didn’t really enjoy a “breakout” season. Finally, in 2016-17, Drouin had his break. He scored career highs (21), assists (32), and points (53) at just 21 years old.

Just when it looked like the Tampa Bay Lightning had hit on another talented young player, they reversed the trade, sending Drouin to the Montreal Canadiens along with a conditional sixth-round pick in 2018) for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev and a conditional second-round pick. vote in 2018.

This action shook the league as both were considered very promising. Sergachev became a shutdown defender next to Victor Hedman, eventually helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup.

Drouin, on the other hand, had two solid seasons to start his career in Montreal. Unfortunately, injuries began to plague them. From 2019-20 through the 2021-22 season, Drouin will suit up in just 105 games. Worse, his production and ice time were low. Many felt that the Drouin experiment was officially over with another disappointing season in 2022-23.

Drouin’s 2023-24 Rebound

A healthy scratch during most of his final year in Montreal, Drouin quietly signed a one-year, $825,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche ahead of the 2023-24 season. It was a cheap signal at the time, the hope is that he can rekindle some of the magic he once had with MacKinnon as the Avs look to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

Related: Colorado Avalanche Won’t Be Contenders This Season

Drouin looked motivated in his third NHL stop. He played in 79 games — his most since playing 81 games in 2018-19 — and posted career-highs in assists (37) and points (56). While he may not be the powerhouse talent that many predicted, he has once again shown health.

Perhaps more importantly, Drouin became a reliable two-way player. His average time of 18:11 on ice was not the greatest of his ten-year career. He performed well away from the puck, battled hard near the boards, and became a solid middle-six option the Avalanche desperately wanted.

Taking the Next Step

While there are other members of the Avalanche who have more to prove, this should not be considered a comeback for Drouin. Resting now could cost him an opportunity that took him so long to win.

There are indications that he could be better than he was in 2023-24. For starters, captain Gabriel Landeskog may not return to start the season and there is no official plan for his return. Likewise, winger Valeri Nichushkin’s status with the team is still up in the air as he is in Phase 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

The Avalanche will turn to Drouin to be a strong top-six scoring option in their position. They are no longer looking to be a potential 100 point player. His contributions to both sides have been seen but many are wondering if it is just a one-off or if he has bowed out.

Playing on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, Drouin will have to prove himself once again. If the Avalanche are going to compete, in the Central Division and the Western Conference, they will need an improved Drouin to be at their best. If so, the Avalanche will have a very interesting decision going into 2025.