NHL Free Agency Signing: Jonathan Drouin Leaves Colorado, Heads Back East

Former Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin signs with the Islanders in free agenc

Jonathan Drouin has parlayed a successful two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche into a nice two-year deal in free agency, with a $4 million AAV with the New York Islanders.

#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have signed forward Jonathan Drouin to a two-year contract.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 1, 2025

The middle-six playmaking forward compiled 93 pts in 122 games the past 2 seasons in Denver, 30 goals and 63 assists, with a plus/minus rating of +16. He played a career high 18:11 per night in Colorado, plugging a hole left by Gabriel Landeskog for a couple of years.

When healthy, Drouin is a 50+ point scorer. He'll add depth on the wing for a team that had trouble scoring this past year, as the Isles ranked 28th in the NHL at just 2.71 goals per game. Slotting in as a playmaker on the second line alongside Kyle Palmieri and Calum Ritchie should be a nice fit for Drouin.

The Islanders' middle-six signing of last year's free agent period, Anthony Duclair, had a disastrous season in his first year on Long Island, and finished the year on a leave of absence. He has now likely lost his spot in the top-six to Drouin.