A sudden buyout in St. Louis has reignited rumors of a Denver return for the veteran playmaker, potentially reuniting him with Nathan MacKinnon to bolster Colorado's offense.
An unexpected option may have just emerged for the Colorado Avalanche as they continue navigating NHL free agency.
Veteran forward Jonathan Drouin is once again available after the St. Louis Blues placed him on unconditional waivers Tuesday for the purpose of buying out the final season of his contract. With the NHL's buyout window now officially closed, Drouin becomes one of the more intriguing unrestricted veterans still on the market—and a familiar name for Colorado.
Drouin's stint in St. Louis proved to be brief. Acquired from the New York Islanders in a March trade that sent Blues captain Brayden Schenn to New York, the 31-year-old appeared in just nine games, recording one goal and two assists before the organization elected to move on. He had one year remaining on a contract carrying a $4 million cap hit.
Before arriving in St. Louis, Drouin spent two productive seasons with the Avalanche, where he revitalized his NHL career alongside longtime friend Nathan MacKinnon. The pair first became teammates with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL before reaching the NHL together years later, and their chemistry translated immediately in Denver.
Over 122 regular-season games with Colorado, Drouin totaled 30 goals and 63 assists for 93 points, becoming a reliable top-six contributor and an important part of one of the league's highest-scoring offenses. His playmaking ability and familiarity with head coach Jared Bednar's system made him a seamless fit throughout his time with the Avalanche.
Following the 2025-26 season, Drouin made it no secret that he hoped to remain in Colorado, expressing a desire to continue his career with the organization. Instead, he ultimately landed in St. Louis, where his stay lasted less than three months before ending with Tuesday's buyout.
Originally selected third overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2013 NHL Draft, Drouin has appeared in 671 NHL games, compiling 111 goals and 287 assists over his career.
Colorado's offseason priorities remain centered on improving its roster, with the front office still expected to explore additional help up front and potentially add another defenseman. But with Drouin suddenly back on the open market—and his history with both the organization and MacKinnon well established—the circumstances have changed.
Whether that opens the door for a reunion is another question entirely, but one that has suddenly become much more interesting.
