The Avalanche made the right call signing this forward.
During the 2023 NHL Offseason, the Colorado Avalanche signed Jonathan Drouin to a one-year, $825,000 contract. The hope was that Drouin would regain his form after finally receiving a much-needed change of scenery. Now, fast-forward to today, and this has been a home run of a move for both the player and the team.
Drouin, 29, has exceeded expectations and has emerged as a crucial part of the Avalanche's top six. Reconnecting with his former Halifax Mooseheads teammate Nathan MacKinnon has benefitted Drouin, and the truth can be seen in his stats. In 72 games this campaign, Drouin has 15 goals, 48 points, and a plus-8 rating.
What's also encouraging about Drouin is that his play is improving down the stretch. Over his last eight games, the 2013 third-overall pick has three goals and 10 points. That is excellent production from the Quebec native.
The hope from here is that Drouin's strong play will continue for the rest of the regular season and postseason. He has shown the NHL that he can still be a very impactful player in the right situation, and his bounce-back season has been a nice, feel-good story. His next contract, whether with the Avs or elsewhere, should reward him for his successful season.
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