The Montreal Canadiens are contemplating a reunion with Jonathan Drouin as he nears unrestricted free agency after a season with the Colorado Avalanche. Analyst Jeremy Tingly suggests that Drouin could enhance the Canadiens' forward lineup, potentially returning to his roots after a challenging tenure in Montreal. The forward, who tallied 37 points in 43 games last season, previously struggled under the pressures of playing in his home province. With the Habs projected to be an up-and-coming team, Drouin's return could provide both opportunity and risk, especially considering the expectations he faced during his prior six seasons with the team.
As Drouin approaches free agency with a projected salary demand of $5.9 million annually, other teams such as the Winnipeg Jets and Los Angeles Kings are also in the mix. Nonetheless, Drouin's experience and veteran presence could be pivotal for the Canadiens as they look to build a stronger, younger roster heading into the next season. His unique story and past struggles might resonate with fans as he considers his next career move.