Jonathan Drouin, a godsend for the Avalanche in Norman Flynn’s eyes

Jonathan Drouin’s departure created a lot of waves in Montreal this summer.

Even though we all expected him to leave, the scenario still caused a lot of chatter. After all, we’re talking about a Quebecer who played for the CH… And we’re talking about a Quebecer who never lived up to expectations in town.

When he was acquired from the Lightning, many saw him as the CH’s saviour. He was there, and so was the problem. Fans (and I’m one of them) created enormous expectations for him because they expected him to become the player he was when he played for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL.

Now, by signing a one-year contract with the Avalanche, the Quebecer is making a fresh start. He joins his friend Nathan MacKinnon, with whom he played in Halifax… And of course, Drouin’s ultimate goal is to relaunch his career.

But what’s interesting for the club is that his signing doesn’t mean a huge gamble. His one-season contract, valued at $850,000, makes him an attractive addition to the team that lifted the Stanley Cup in 2022…

And if he does things the right way, the Avalanche will have won their bet. Norman Flynn already sees him as a bargain in Colorado… And there’s a world where that may prove true if Drouin starts racking up the points next season:

At the price they signed him there, it’s a bargain […] I wish him the best and I hope it works out because he’s another young player who deserved another chance. – Norman Flynn

That’s why I’m not ready to say out loud that he’s a bargain for the Avalanche, when we haven’t even seen him play a single game in his new club’s uniform.

That said, if the stars are aligned and he’s well surrounded, I don’t see how he could disappoint in Colorado. The Avalanche roster is bursting with talent at every position, which should help him offensively.

Because we know he’s got what it takes. We know he has the talent and the tools to be a good NHL player.

But in the end, he’s the one with the big stick. He knows what he has to do to secure a new contract after next season.

I agree with Norman when he wishes him the best. And it’s true, in a way, that Jonathan Drouin deserves another chance…

But not in Montreal. He’s done his time and simply doesn’t fit in with the new vision of the team and Martin St-Louis.

In gusto

– He’s one of a kind.

– Eh boy.

Kyle Davidson lacked delicacy🤨https://t.co/jqBApuQBiO

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 28, 2023

– What to expect from “Big Jake” this year in Dallas?

Jake Oettinger was one of only four goalies to post five or more shutouts in 2022-23. 💪

What does this season have in store for the young goaltender? pic.twitter.com/FEIo3qASs9

– NHL (@NHL) August 28, 2023

– My goodness. These look like video game numbers.

– Huge haul for Toronto FC.