NHL Rumors: UFA Forward for the Colorado Avalanche to Talk About Deal
To prevent their free agents from going unsigned, many of these teams are attempting to take action. But for some athletes, getting signed before July 1st can be more difficult than for others. Among the Colorado Avalanche’s current NHL rumors is their attempt to re-sign a valuable forward.
Colorado Avalanche is in discussions to bring UFA forward.
The Avalanche and forward Jonathan Drouin, a prospective unrestricted free agent, are rumored to be meeting to discuss a new contract, according to Corey Masiak of The Denver Post.
The Avalanche have helped Drouin revitalize his career in Denver. Although he had difficulties with the Montreal Canadiens, he managed to make it to the team that consistently contends for the Western Conference. Since his 21 goals in the 2016–17 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning,, the 29-year-old’s 19 goals were his highest goal total.
After being selected third overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the former Habs player suffered injuries. After 2018–19, he had not played more than 60 games in any of his six seasons with La Belle Province. Except for the Avalanche this year.
The gamble on the former Halifax Mooseheads star player paid off for Colorado General Manager Chris MacFarland. Nathan MacKinnon, Drouin’s junior teammate, and the Avs were much improved by their reunion. Teams would be interested in Drouin if he were to become available, according to Johnston, because of his playmaking abilities and vision.
According to Johnston, he appears to have moved past his injury issues. Drouin only missed three games during the regular season, but nobody can forecast the future. He overcame a few problems as well, missing time during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Speaking of Deal
The Denver Post was informed that contract negotiations between Drouin and his agent, Allan Walsh, will shortly take place. Drouin is listed among the top 30 pending free agents by The Athletic’s Chris Johnston. The customer, according to Walsh, was well-treated in Denver and enjoyed the fit of the Avalanche.
MacFarland and Colorado Head Coach Jared Bednar both praised Drouin’s contributions to the squad, suggesting that the interest is mutual. According to them both, it would be wonderful if the native of Sainte-Agathe, Quebec, went back to the Rocky Mountains. Drouin was a great defensive player in addition to scoring a career-high 56 points. The forward excelled with the Avs as Bednar started to give him more responsibility.
From the look of things, his next deal should take him back to the Avalanche. Negotiating contracts is rarely an easy procedure, though.
The Cash Game
Many factors might be impeding Drouin’s ability to sign a long-term contract. The status of Valeri Nichushkin is one of the concerns that could prevent a long-term deal. Re-enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, the Russian will serve a season-long suspension.
The amount that Colorado could be able to offer Drouin is also influenced by their injury list. Having sustained injuries, both Artturi Lehkonen and Gabriel Landeskog are healing. Should one or both of them be prepared to rejoin the starting lineup the following season, this may make matters more complicated.
Drouin would be thrilled to accept a reasonable offer from MacFarland that is close to market value in terms of dollars. Nevertheless, Drouin might not be able to achieve all of his goals because of those additional variables.
Indeed, Walsh expressed his regard for MacFarland and the Avalanche. The representative mentioned his ingenuity and believes a deal might be reached to keep his client in Colorado prior to July 1st when he goes unsold.