Jonathan Drouin May Already Be Done With the Avalanche

Despite some early season struggles (3 points in his first 15 games), the former Canadien fully capitalized on this new opportunity to showcase his talent. Frequently playing alongside stars Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, his offensive production has skyrocketed.

Now, as we approach the end of the regular season, Jonathan Drouin boasts an impressive total of 41 points in 66 games. If he continues to perform well, reaching the 50-point milestone, which he hasn't done since the 2018-2019 season, is well within his grasp.

His offensive contribution is simply exceptional for the salary he's currently earning, only $825,000 in 2024-2025. He represents a real bargain for the Avalanche, and we're convinced that Chris MacFarland does not regret his decision to give Drouin a chance to revive his career.

However, as much as Jared Bednar appreciates his new player, the number 27 might already be in his last miles with the American organization. Indeed, Jonathan Drouin will become a free agent at the end of the current campaign, and it's very possible that the Avalanche will be unable to offer him a salary that matches his on-ice performance.

Considering that players like Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker might receive significant salary increases, and that Devon Toews' contract extension will kick in for 2024-2025, the possibility of the Sainte-Agathe native leaving Colorado to sign with a new team seems quite real.

After all, it's undeniable that Jonathan Drouin's agent, Allan Walsh, will seek to find him a lucrative contract, whether with the Avalanche or elsewhere in the NHL. The team's beat reporter, Evan Rawal, recently mentioned that it will be difficult for the organization to retain the forward, who deserves a significant pay raise.

Certainly, we're very happy for Jonathan Drouin and hope he continues to find success in the coming years. It will be interesting to see if he's willing to sign for less money to stay with a team as dominant as the Avalanche, but expect him to be courted by several teams when the free agency market opens.

Nevertheless, he's experienced a major resurgence this year, and that's all that matters for now!

Credit: GoNordiques