BREAKING: Islanders Sign Jonathan Drouin

So much for a quieter July 1, eh? The New York Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin to a two-year, $8 million contract ($4 million AAV).

Drouin, 30, scored 11 goals and 37 points in 43 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season. In 2023-24, Drouin scored 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games. On The Athletic’s top free agents, Drouin checked in as a top-five winger available.

Drouin is a consistent producer, particularly good at setting up as opposed to finishing. He has 374 points in 607 career NHL games. He struggled toward the end of his time in Montreal before hitting his stride with the Colorado Avalanche for the last two seasons.

Drouin also fits the speedy, offensive-based game that Patrick Roy wants to play. Familiarity with Ray Bennett’s power-play systems will only be a bonus. Drouin fits the team and its needs quite well.

It’s a great value signing at just a $4 million AAV, as Drouin had been forecasted by AFP Analytics to receive a three-year, $5 million AAV contract.

The Islanders are left with around $7 million in cap space. They could leave the roster as is, shifting Mathew Barzal back to center. Doing so would set up roster spot battles between Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, and Calum Ritchie.

Alternatively, this could force a trade or two, as the Islanders may have too many forwards on their roster. Pierre Engvall, Anthony Duclair, and Casey Cizikas are potential candidates, as they’d also help with the team’s salary cap situation.