According to information circulating, Quebec striker Jonathan Drouin should pocket a contract worth at least $20 million over five years.
According to Pierre LeBrun, journalist for The Athletic, Drouin’s entourage would be ready to accept an annual salary of $4 million to stay in Colorado. That would bring his total career earnings to nearly $60 million.
Many experts believe that Drouin is one hundred percent guaranteed to stay in Denver after his solid season with the Colorado Avalanche.
Journalist Pierre LeBrun reported that Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, will meet with general manager Chris MacFarland this week to discuss negotiations.
Nathan MacKinnon, Drouin’s former teammate with the Halifax Mooseheads, expressed his desire to see the Quebecer stay in Colorado.
The uncertainty surrounding the futures of forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin (suspended) makes the idea of signing a reliable player like Drouin all the more appealing. Especially at a discount.
Everyone agrees that Drouin deserves more than $4 million per year. But the Quebecer is so happy in Denver that money becomes secondary, especially after pocketing $33 million over 6 years in Montreal…for not much…
After a difficult period with the Montreal Canadiens, the left winger experienced a remarkable rebound in 2023-2024, collecting a personal high of 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games. He was used regularly on the Avalanche’s top two lines.
Last summer, Drouin signed a one-year, discounted contract worth $825,000. It should easily quadruple or quintuple that amount on the open market this year.
Clearly, the supporters of CH have a little turd on their hearts remembering that Drouin collected the “cash” in Montreal without giving anything in return.
Not only did he have a historic year for him in getting paid peanuts. But he will now accept 20 million over 5 years.
While in Montreal, he collected 33 million over 6 years. Frustration 101…
But as much as this can be irritating for the CH players, we must rejoice for the happiness of Jonathan Drouin. Yes, the Quebecer found happiness in Colorado, and that is priceless.
The change of scenery proved beneficial for him, not only professionally, but also personally. Drouin and his family enjoy living in a city where the pressure is not as overwhelming as in Montreal.
The former Canadian missed part of the 2020-2021 regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs for personal reasons. Afterward, he publicly admitted that he struggled with anxiety and problems sleeping.
Drouin expressed his gratitude for getting help when he needed it. Although this is no longer a recurring problem, he now has the tools to manage moments of anxiety or stress when they arise.
“I’ve said it before – ever since I wanted to get help, I didn’t know it was going to be beneficial. We think we are strong enough to do it alone, that we are good enough to do it… and we do it for three years,” he told the site The Hockey News consecrated.
“Since I got this help, I now have tips, people to talk to, resources to manage anxiety or any level of stress. »
At 29, he smiles when talking about Denver, a city where he can live like a normal person. But not everything was negative for this Quebec native.
“Playing at the Bell Centre, everyone will tell you, it’s probably the best place to play,” Drouin said.
“Being from there, I still get butterflies hearing the warm-up song after six years. »
Becoming a father profoundly changed Drouin’s life, modifying his outlook on life and his priorities.
“The last few years have been great for me, honestly,” he said.
“Since I got help, I know how to deal with it all, how to live my life and how to disconnect from hockey when I need to. »
Getting to Colorado was made easier for the third overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft thanks to reuniting with good friend and former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The more relaxed atmosphere has also improved his daily life.
“There is good and bad, but sometimes in your outside life you feel isolated or you don’t want to go out for fear of being recognized or questioned,” he explained about his time in Montreal.
“Getting stared at while shopping isn’t the most fun part of the day – especially when it’s five o’clock and you’re going to go shopping for everyone at home. »
Although modest about the attention he was receiving, Drouin admitted he is relieved today. He now appreciates the ability to walk freely in his neighborhood without being recognized.
MacKinnon mentioned the difficulty for Drouin playing in Montreal as a French-speaking Canadian. He played a key role in the recruitment of his former teammate from the Halifax Mooseheads to the Avalanche and he will again be a key man in his contract extension.
“I think he’s very versatile, he’s such a talented player, works really hard, and it’s fun to get back on the ice together, » said MacKinnon.
“He will be back” swears the captain.
At 20 million dollars spread over 5 years…happiness perhaps has a price after all…
