Overview
- The Islanders signed veteran winger Jonathan Drouin to a two-year, $8 million contract on July 1.
- Drouin, the No. 3 pick in the 2013 NHL draft, posted 30 goals and 63 assists for 93 points in 122 games over the past two seasons with Colorado.
- Cap constraints in Denver accelerated Drouin’s departure, allowing New York to allocate scarce salary space toward his middle-six role.
- He is slated to join the middle-six on the left wing and will battle Anthony Duclair for a second-line spot alongside JG Pageau and Kyle Palmieri.
- This marquee acquisition follows the signings of Tony DeAngelo and David Rittich as GM Mathieu Darche overhauls the Islanders’ roster.