The 2024-25 season is shaping as much as be probably the most unsure within the historical past of the Colorado Avalanche. Simply three seasons faraway from hoisting the Stanley Cup, the core stays intact, however the surrounding items proceed to shift and take form.
Associated: Colorado Avalanche’s 3 Largest Weaknesses for 2024-25
Artturi Lehkonen will miss the beginning of the season. The workforce can be with out Gabriel Landskog and Valeri Nichushkin for who is aware of how lengthy. In steps Jonathan Drouin to assist the Avalanche fill the void these three have created. What can we count on of him in a vital 2024-25 season?
How Drouin’s 2023-24 Season Went
The previous season was a revelation for Drouin. The previous member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens had been at one thing of a crossroads. After signing an enormous extension with the Canadiens as a 22-year-old, he struggled to not solely discover and fulfill his promise however to remain on the ice.
Drouin had a banner 12 months in just about each manner in 2023-24. He had 19 targets in addition to a career-best 37 assists and 56 factors. His plus-12 was one of the best of his profession. He additionally averaged a career-high 18:11 per night time with the Avalanche. Extra importantly, he took on a significant function for the membership.
Whereas 19 targets and 56 factors won’t appear to be one thing to signal praises about, it was enormous for Drouin. He established that he generally is a stable top-six ahead once more. Extra importantly, he gave the Avalanche a little bit of reassurance after they wanted it most.
What the Avalanche Want From Drouin
The workforce wants greater than Drouin might be able to supply however he’ll step into the function anyway. The Avalanche know what to anticipate from famous person forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Cale Makar stays among the many greatest defensemen within the NHL. Previous that, not a lot is for certain.
Drouin will instantly be requested to step right into a top-line function subsequent to MacKinnon, his former junior teammate, and Rantanen. The lack of Lehkonen solely additional underscores the shortage of depth amongst Colorado’s ahead group.
Drouin will little doubt be requested to play in all conditions from the beginning. He’s tremendously expert and a powerful skater however confirmed a knack for not shying away from the soiled areas a season in the past. That can be wanted once more in 2024-25 if the Avalanche are to keep away from a considerable step again.
Ought to Landeskog and Nichushkin return – and within the case of the latter, be welcomed again – it should ease stress on each Drouin and the Avalanche. Ought to these two stand up to hurry, Drouin might settle right into a second-line spot, contribute on the facility play, and play in late-game conditions.
2024-25 Projection
There are two methods to take a look at this. Let’s assume the primary manner comes true and there’s no return from Landeskog and Nichushkin. Drouin can be a top-line winger for arguably the primary time in his profession, enjoying with elite expertise at that. The chances are enormous.
In that situation, it might not be a shock to see Drouin hit the 30-goal mark for the primary time. Climbing over 70 factors could be doubtless in that scenario as effectively. It could be an enormous increase for his profession and the Avalanche’s possibilities at contending for one more championship.
Even when the aforementioned forwards come again, they aren’t more likely to be at full energy. Not solely that, Nichushkin might want to earn the belief of the franchise and the fan base again. The door would nonetheless be open for Drouin to chase profession highs throughout the board.
An Integral Piece for This Season
For the quick time period, Drouin can be amongst a handful of crucial members of the roster. Constructing off final season can be vital if the Avalanche hope to get off to a scorching begin and contend in what ought to be a really powerful Central Division as soon as once more.
For Drouin, it is a make-or-break season as effectively. He’s on a one-year contract and can set himself up for a considerable payday if he may even repeat final season’s success. There’s a lot on the road for Drouin and the Avalanche within the coming season.
