The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for the anticipated return of Jonathan Drouin, who has been sidelined with upper-body injuries for much of the season. Head coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism for Drouin’s availability for the game against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, stating, "He’s looking like he could be good to go for Winnipeg. We’ll see how he gets through today’s practice" as reported by Colorado Hockey Now.
Drouin's season has been marred by injuries, having missed the last 16 games, along with 16 earlier contests due to injury sustained during the Avalanche’s season opener. This has restricted the 29-year-old to just five games this season, during which he managed to score two goals and provide two assists. Drouin reflected on his injury woes, declaring, "It's been a long year. Play a couple games and get re-injured and re-do the whole process of all the rehab and treatment. Yeah, it's been long."
The Avalanche have been forced to adapt their lineup due to the injuries, implementing the “next man up” mentality throughout the team. Now, with the potential return of Drouin, there will only be three players out of the lineup—the fewest all season. The timing of Drouin’s return is opportune as the Avalanche, currently seated third in the Central Division with 22 wins and only eight losses over their last ten matches, are striving to build on their recent winning streak.
Bednar will have to make strategic adjustments to fit Drouin back onto the roster, particularly since he excelled prior to his latest injury. Drouin had earned four points across his first five games and had contributed to the team winning three consecutive matches. Ross Colton had stepped up, filling Drouin's role on the left wing alongside stars Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, but has struggled lately, offering Bednar the opportunity to mix his lineup.
Potential changes could include starting Drouin on the fourth line to ease him back after his long absence or integrating him back onto the second line, potentially collaborating with Rantanen and Colton. Bednar commented on the breadth of talent available and the need for team cohesion going forward, stating, "We got to do what’s best for the team, and he’s gonna have to grind his way through it with some of our help.”
Among the challenges presented by Drouin’s return is the form of Casey Mittelstadt, who has struggled significantly, recording no goals and merely five points over his last 18 games. Bednar admitted, "(Mittelstadt's) a project for us right now," explaining the decision to demote him to the fourth line as necessary to restore his confidence and performance levels.
Mittelstadt is just one of the key players on the Avalanche roster as they navigate this challenging season. The combination of injuries and adaptations had complicated their efforts early on, but Drouin's return signifies the Avalanche are beginning to regain their depth and potential.
Another player to keep an eye on is Juuso Parssinen, who may also alter the team's dynamics when he integrates as well. Bednar's thoughts on Parssinen reflect his philosophy of fostering player growth, as he noted, "Looks like he's playing without any confidence right now. So our goal...we've got to get him back to playing like he was two years ago.”
The Avalanche, having earned eight wins out of their last ten games, are riding high on confidence and momentum. Drouin's inclusion invites excitement and raises questions about whether they can continue their strong performance with this revamped lineup. Coach Bednar has multiple high-level players to work with now, and the Avalanche are ready to make their playoff ambitions known as they navigate the remainder of the season.