Jonathan Drouin contract: Avalanche winger addresses his future with team post playoffs exit

By Ankit Kumar

Modified May 18, 2024 17:01 GMT

Colorado Avalanche's Jonathan Drouin talked about his future in the city following their playoff exit. The Avalanche lost 2-1 in a double overtime loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 6.

In a post-game media interaction, Drouin expressed his interest in singing with the Avalanche:

"Well, I just lost a little bit. I was just gonna stay here for a couple of days. But I'd love to come back here and sign here and come back to the team. I've loved my time here and my family loves here," Drouin said.

Jonathan Drouin signed a one-year, $825,000 contract with the Avalanche on July 1, 2023, and his performance this season has been impressive. He recorded a career-high 56 points in 79 regular-season games.

A lower-body injury sidelined Drouin for the first eight games of the postseason, but he returned to contribute, logging assists in each of the three games he played. This included two assists on the power play.

Drouin's playoff performance and his power-play assist in the crucial Game 6 stood out from the night. To which player agent Allan Walsh said:

"Jonathan Drouin assist on the PP. he’s flying tonight."

However, as the team prepares for the 2024-25 season, salary cap considerations come into play. Given Jonathan Drouin's outstanding season and brief but significant part in the playoffs, his next deal is expected to carry a greater cap price. Whether the Avalanche can fit this into their cap remains to be seen.

Jonathan Drouin and Colorado's playoff exit after 2-1 loss to Dallas

The Dallas Stars secured a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 to advance to the Western Conference final. Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime to ensure the win.

Despite a disallowed goal for goaltender interference in the first overtime, Duchene secured a loose puck and scored the decisive goal.

Nathan MacKinnon the leading scorer for the Avalanche in the regular season and a Hart Trophy finalist, said:

“We fought hard. The effort was there the whole season.”

MacKinnon scored four goals and 10 assists in Colorado's postseason. For Colorado, it was a disappointing end to their postseason, which also saw Valeri Nichushkin's suspension.

Mikko Rantanen scored the opening goal, with Cale Makar notching his 80th career playoff point.

“A devastating result,” Makar said, “The year being where we all feel like we have a team that with all of our pieces can make a push for the whole thing.”

The game also marked the end of Zach Parise's career.