Jonathan Drouin Reflects on Avalanche Tenure Ahead of Islanders Showdown

Jonathan Drouin, now with the New York Islanders after signing a two-year, $8 million contract as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, is preparing to face his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. Drouin, 30, expressed his enjoyment of his two years with the Avalanche, calling it "a blast" and a great time, noting it's not a difficult transition to play against them. In 122 games over two seasons with Colorado, he posted 30 goals and 63 assists. Last year, despite injuries, he was nearly a point-per-game player, tallying 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 43 games. Drouin was observed chatting amiably with former Avalanche teammates and staff, indicating no lingering tension. He also agreed with comparisons between Cale Makar and Islanders prospect Matthew Schaefer, highlighting Schaefer's impressive skating. Drouin has accumulated 110 goals and 278 assists for 388 points in 624 NHL games across four teams.