« *Denver Gazette beat writer Kyle Fredrickson takes you around the NHL and inside the Colorado Avalanche:*
# WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“That’s the evolution of his game. It’s something we expect from all of our players; to play that type of style. Not just high skill and make plays when you have the puck. But be relentless in checking the puck back up ice. … His ability and intelligence with the puck as an offensive-minded guy is easy to see. You hope that translates to the defensive side of it … if you’re willing to put in the work. He certainly has (done it), and his game has found a whole new level. He’s taken a big step.”
—Avalanche coach **Jared Bednar** on the growth of winger **Jonathan Drouin**.
*******
# WHAT I’M THINKING
— The Jonathan Drouin reclamation project in Colorado remains on track. The Avs signed him to a near league-minimum contract in July, and after 68 games played this season, Drouin has produced 14 goals and 32 assists while in the top six. His checking and defensive play has significantly improved. Just a masterful signing by general manager Chris MacFarland.
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NHL Insider by Kyle Fredrickson is not paywalled.
« *Denver Gazette beat writer Kyle Fredrickson takes you around the NHL and inside the Colorado Avalanche:*
# WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“That’s the evolution of his game. It’s something we expect from all of our players; to play that type of style. Not just high skill and make plays when you have the puck. But be relentless in checking the puck back up ice. … His ability and intelligence with the puck as an offensive-minded guy is easy to see. You hope that translates to the defensive side of it … if you’re willing to put in the work. He certainly has (done it), and his game has found a whole new level. He’s taken a big step.”
—Avalanche coach **Jared Bednar** on the growth of winger **Jonathan Drouin**.
*******
# WHAT I’M THINKING
— The Jonathan Drouin reclamation project in Colorado remains on track. The Avs signed him to a near league-minimum contract in July, and after 68 games played this season, Drouin has produced 14 goals and 32 assists while in the top six. His checking and defensive play has significantly improved. Just a masterful signing by general manager Chris MacFarland.
— The connection between Drouin and his junior hockey teammate Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads) is special. It was certainly on display in Sunday’s [dramatic OT home win over the Penguins](https://denvergazette.com/sports/colorado-avalanche/colorado-avalanche-erase-4-goal-deficit-for-comeback-win-over-pittsburgh-penguins/article_6ee28820-ea30-11ee-b97a-9bd85db2b0d3.html). They’re almost inseparable, especially in Avs pregame warmups, with Drouin feeding MacKinnon one-timers — like clockwork — before heading into the tunnel. »
Is there any other media outlet that posts stories like this on the sub?