Jonathan Drouin set to sign contract worth over 6-million annually?

Even though the Quebecois forward faced some difficulties at the start of the season, only gathering one point in his first ten games and even being sidelined twice, he has clearly managed to prove that he is still a top forward in the NHL.

Indeed, after this difficult period, the Avalanche's number 27 has recorded 52 points in 65 games, including nine goals and ten assists in his last 15 games. He was also recently nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy, an award given to the player who has shown exceptional determination and perseverance.

Not bad for a player whom many fans believed was finished and would head to Europe after his contract with the Tricolore!

However, his exceptional performances will greatly complicate the task for Colorado Avalanche General Manager, Chris Macfarland. Indeed, if Drouin represents potentially the best bargain across the NHL with a salary of only $825,000, there is no doubt that the left winger will ask for a huge salary increase this summer.

It would not be surprising if the 2022 Stanley Cup champions were unable to retain his services, as he could test the free agent market for the second time in his career. Jonathan Drouin will thus have an important decision to make in the coming months, whether to sign at a discount to stay with Nathan MacKinnon and company or try to sign a very lucrative contract with a new team.

Moreover, many observers believe that the attacker from Sainte-Agathe has several arguments to demand a very high salary during the off-season. Indeed, the journalist covering the activities of the Colorado Avalanche, Drew Livingstone, believes he could ask for a contract of at least six million dollars per season, a similar deal to the one he had signed with the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge in the past.

Wow! Honestly, in light of his performance this season, it's well deserved!

It remains to be seen with which team the forward will continue his career, but don't be surprised if he lands a contract of four or five seasons worth 24 to 30 million dollars. It will certainly be a file to follow closely when the 2023-2024 season ends.

Note that he also confessed that he would greatly like to stay with the Colorado Avalanche, but he will have to wait and see if Chris Macfarland is ready to offer him a contract that meets his expectations.