Bednar: Drouin's completely changed his image

Jonathan Drouin went to the Colorado Avalanche surrounded by significant question marks.

On the ice, he was coming off a season in which he scored just two goals in 58 games. He had failed to reach double-digit tallies since 2018-19. And he had a reputation as a poor defensive player.

Off the ice, he had dealt with anxiety and insomnia that caused him to miss an extended portion of the 2020-21 season.

But Drouin has put together one of his best campaigns, entering Friday with 17 goals and 34 assists in 73 games. He's three points away from establishing a new career high. That perseverance is part of the reason why Drouin was announced as Colorado's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy on Friday.

"He comes in here, and to me it's his attitude and really working at his game, adding tools to his toolbox, especially when it comes to being a well-rounded player on the checking side of it," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said, per The Denver Post's Corey Masisak. "He's become a real trusted guy for us.

"The image that he had, he's been able to completely change that for me in a short period of time and do whatever it takes to be successful for a new coach, a new organization, new teammates. I think it is something that should be recognized."

The Avalanche were an obvious landing spot for Drouin in free agency because of his prior relationship with Nathan MacKinnon. The two players starred for the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads together before turning pro. Colorado drafted MacKinnon first overall in 2013, while Drouin went to the Tampa Bay Lightning two picks later.

"He's very dedicated. He brings it every day," MacKinnon said. "He has a great attitude, a great work ethic. He's always trying to get better and he loves the game. He's always trying to learn and loves talking about it. It's fun to be around guys like that. He definitely deserves that recognition, for sure."

With a cap hit of $825,000 this season, Drouin has been one of the league's best bargains. Excluding players on entry-level contracts, the 29-year-old leads all NHL skaters in cost per point, per CapFriendly. He's put himself in line for a notable pay raise this summer.

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