Jonathan Drouin’s NHL journey has taken many twists and turns, but his time with the Colorado Avalanche has offered a glimpse of the player many hoped he would become. After signing a one-year deal with Colorado in 2023, Drouin quickly revitalized his career alongside longtime friend and superstar Nathan MacKinnon. Now, following two short-term contracts, it’s time for Drouin to commit to another season in Colorado — and for good reason.
The 2023-24 season was a career renaissance for Drouin. He suited up for 79 of 82 games and set new career highs in assists and total points. Despite falling just two goals short of his personal best in that category, Drouin proved he could be a key contributor on a contending team. Many expected he’d price himself out of Colorado after that performance, but instead, he chose loyalty and familiarity, re-signing for a modest $2 million on another one-year deal. That decision showed a level of self-awareness and long-term vision rarely seen in players coming off breakout years.
Unfortunately, the 2024-25 season didn’t go as planned. Drouin battled injuries and played just 43 games, though he still managed 11 goals and 26 assists — a pace that, over a full season, could’ve shattered his previous career marks. He maintained an average ice time of 18:11 per game, identical to the previous year, a sign that the coaching staff continued to trust his abilities when he was healthy. If anything, this injury-shortened season may be the perfect opportunity for Drouin to bet on himself once again and stay in a system that suits him.
One lingering narrative is whether Drouin’s success is a product of playing alongside MacKinnon. Since his promotion to the top line, he’s spent the vast majority of his minutes with the Avalanche captain. While critics may question his ability to produce without MacKinnon, the reality is simple: if the chemistry works, why change it? Colorado has a history of nurturing late bloomers — Valeri Nichushkin being a prime example — and Drouin could follow a similar path if given another year to grow within the team.
Re-signing Drouin to another short-term deal makes sense for both sides. The Avalanche retain a skilled, motivated winger with high upside and a strong bond with their franchise player. Drouin gets another chance to stay healthy, boost his numbers, and potentially set himself up for a more lucrative deal in 2026 — whether with Colorado or elsewhere.
The Avalanche need to sell Drouin on one more year. He’s shown he can thrive in Denver, and if he can stay on the ice, there’s every reason to believe he’ll continue trending upward. In a league that often rewards perseverance, Drouin’s story is far from over. The comeback is still in motion — and Colorado is the perfect place to keep it going.
