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    Stefen Rosner
    Stefen Rosner
    Jul 11, 2025, 12:18

    On Thursday night, New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin spoke on NHL Tonight about why he signed a two-year deal worth $4 million with Long Island.

    Here's a complete summary of Drouin's NHL Network interview:

    • Drouin was drawn to the Islanders by the forward group, team makeup, and familiarity with Patrick Roy.
    • He played against Roy numerous times in junoirs and has a connection already with former Avalanhce power-play coach Ray Bennett, who the Islanders brought in this summer.
    • He feels reinvigorated after his time in Colorado, after some years that got away from him.
    • He’s best buds with Anthony Duclair and asked former Islanders Anthony Beauvillier and Derick Brassard about their time on the island.
    • He’s impressed by the mix of talent on the roster—players like Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, and feels that Anders Lee is a tremendous leader.
    • Off the ice, he appreciates what Long Island offers in terms of lifestyle, amenities, and team facilities.
    • He values the little things and said that seeing the Islanders put the cancer ribbon on Matthew Schaefer's NHL Draft jersey was something that stood out to him in how they treat their players.

    Drouin will start the season alongside Horvat, per Roy. 

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