Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin enjoying change of scenery

Denver's relaxed atmosphere is a welcome change for Avs forward Jonathan Drouin.

A change of scenery has been good for Jonathan Drouin — not just for his career. The Colorado Avalanche forward is happy to be in a city without overwhelming pressure like he dealt with in Montreal. 

The former Canadien missed part of the 2020-21 regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs for personal reasons. He later publicly admitted to dealing with anxiety and sleep issues.

Drouin said he's glad he got help when he needed it. And although it's not an ongoing issue, he has the tools to handle those anxious or stressful moments when they arise. 

"I've said it before — ever since I kind of wanted to get help, I didn't know it was going to be beneficial. You think you're good enough, you think you're strong enough to do it on your own and you've been doing it for ... three years," Drouin told The Hockey News' Colorado Avalanche site editor. "Ever since I got that help for me, I have tips now, people to talk to, stuff to go back on to help the anxiety if it happens or any stress level or whatever it is."

The 28-year-old said with a smile that Denver is different and he's just enjoying living his life like a normal person. But it wasn't all negative for the Quebec native. 

"Playing at the Bell Centre, everyone will tell you, it's probably the best building to play in," Drouin said. "Being from there (Ste-Agathe — about an hour outside Montreal), I still get butterflies going on for that warm up song in my six years."  

Drouin said becoming a father made a significant difference in his life. His son helped change his perspective and what he focuses on. 

"The past few years have been great for me, to be honest," Drouin said. "Ever since I got help, I know how to handle all that stuff and how to live my life and how to turn off hockey a little bit when it's time to turn off hockey." 

Coming to Colorado was easier for the 2013 third overall NHL draft pick since he was reunited with his good friend and former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon. But the atmosphere is more comfortable for him too, and said his daily life has changed quite a bit. 

"There's good and bad but for sure you're outside life sometimes you feel isolated, or you don't want to go out knowing you might get seen or you might get asked this and that," Drouin said about his time in Montreal. "Getting stared at when you're doing groceries is not the most fun part of your day — when it's five o'clock and you're going to get groceries for everyone in the house."

Drouin was humble about the attention but said he got tired of it. He appreciates the ability to walk freely around his neighborhood without anyone knowing who he is.

MacKinnon mentioned how it was difficult for Drouin to play in Montreal as a French Canadian. He was a major part of bringing his former Halifax Mooseheads teammate to the Avalanche. 

Drouin signed a one-year contract with the Avs for $825,000 — a significant difference from his previous $5.5 million per year salary on his last contract with the Habs. 

"I think he'll be very versatile, such a talented player, works really hard, and it's been fun being back on the ice together," MacKinnon said before training camp opened. 

Drouin started the first three games of the season on the top line with MacKinnon. But it's a spot head coach Jared Bednar said he has to earn. So far, he's fitting right in with MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen at the top.