May 17, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates his goal with center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) and left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) in the second period against the Dallas Stars in game six of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Rumours: Colorado Avalanche UFA Forward Set To Discuss Deal
It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the end of the 2023-24 season, but preparations for the 2024-25 campaign are well underway. Teams not involved in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final are working hard to get a jumpstart on their rosters. Many of these clubs are trying to make sure their free agents don’t hit the open market. However, it may be harder for some players than others to get signed before July 1. Today’s NHL rumours focuses on the Colorado Avalanche trying to re-sign one of their key forwards.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Colorado Avalanche In Talks to Bring Back UFA Forward
Rumour: Corey Masiak of The Denver Post reported that Avalanche and pending unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Drouin are set for talks on a new contract.
Analysis: Drouin has revived his career in Denver with the Avalanche. He had some struggled with the Montreal Canadiens, but has found his way coming to the perennial Western Conference contender. The 29-year-old scored 19 goals, which was the most since the 2016-17 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning when he netted 21.
Injuries followed the former third overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft during his stint with the Habs. He played six seasons in La Belle Province but he had never played more than 60 games since 2018-19. That is until this year with the Avalanche. Colorado General Manager Chris MacFarland took a chance on the former Halifax Mooseheads standout and it paid off. Drouin reunited with junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon and it worked wonders for the Avs. Johnston cited Drouin’s vision and playmaking skills as a reason why teams would be interested in him should he hit the open market.
The injury troubles also seem to be behind him according to Johnston. No one can predict the future, but Drouin managed to only miss three regular-season and games. He also played through some issues that saw him miss time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Talking Deal
Drouin’s agent Allan Walsh confirmed to the Denver Post that the two sides were going to have contract talks soon. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has Drouin ranked in the top 30 in his list of pending free agents. Walsh stated that his client loved the fit with the Avalanche and was treated well in Denver.
