The former CH player truly experienced a renaissance with the Avalanche this season. He accumulated 41 points, including 12 goals, in 66 games, in addition to playing no less than an average of 17min29sec per game. Considering he only cost the Colorado club $825K, it can be said that they got a real bargain.
However, this bargain could end up being very costly for them in the near future. Drouin, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st next, could certainly be entitled to a nice salary increase. An increase that could pose a problem for GM Chris MacFarland who might be forced to let the 28-year-old player go.
To date, the Avalanche have a cap space of $11.325M for next season, but need to sign, including Drouin, 10 unrestricted free agents, and one restricted free agent in Casey Mittelstadt. Money might run out sooner rather than later for MacFarland.
It remains to be seen if Drouin enjoyed his experience in Colorado this season enough to accept another discounted offer. It's certain that a long playoff run, or even a Stanley Cup victory, would greatly help the Quebecer to stay in town for cheap!
