Emotional statement by Jonathan Drouin revealing important information about the Montreal Canadiens

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David St-Jean
July 7, 2023 (9:04)

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As he has agreed to a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, it can now be said that Jonathan Drouin's time with the Canadiens has been quite eventful.

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in June 2017 in exchange for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, the hometown forward experienced six roller-coaster seasons, and he doesn't hesitate to mention that he is very happy now as a new member of the Avalanche.

He mentioned this to journalist Stéphane Cadorette of the Journal de Québec, and the former Habs player believes that a change of scenery is already doing him a world of good.

"A few days before [the start of free agency], we made the decision not to return to the Canadiens. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were really kind to me, but I needed a fresh start. Montreal has been difficult in recent years. I've experienced a lot of ups and downs. I needed a fresh start somewhere else," he said.

It's a sincere and significant statement from Drouin. He also revealed the moment when the decision was made.

However, despite the highs and lows he experienced during his time in Montreal, Drouin assures that he leaves the city without any resentment. He added that he will never suggest to a Quebec-born player not to come and play for the Canadiens.

"I've had some great moments in Montreal, it's not all negative. I've met some wonderful people and I've grown as a person. I will never tell a Quebecer not to go to Montreal. Even after six years, I still had butterflies when I stepped onto the ice at the Bell Centre. Those are things that will never change. The passion of the fans will always be there. Yes, there's pressure, but if you can handle it, it's a great place to play. Especially now, with the personnel in place. It's going to be a team that will be really good in the future."

Wow!

These are the words of a man who will undoubtedly face much less pressure in Colorado, and moreover, he will be joining his former junior teammate, a certain Nathan MacKinnon, with whom he won the Memorial Cup a decade ago.

Now, all that's left is to wish Jonathan Drouin the best of luck with his new team and hope that he becomes a top-level forward in the NHL once again.