When Nathan MacKinnon recorded his 500th career assist, a primary marker to Logan O’Connor for the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory against the Anaheim Ducks, Jonathan Drouin had the secondary assist. 

It was a fitting moment for the Colorado Avalanche forwards, who reunited this season in Denver more than a decade after they dominated the QMJHL together during the 2012-13 season. 

“I’ve known him since we were kids,” Drouin said. “It’s kind of cool to be part of a milestone like that for him. He’s obviously earned everything he’s gotten, and it’s been nice to play together again here.”

While MacKinnon’s career has lived up to the incredible hype, Drouin has been working on career reclamation after stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montréal Canadiens. 

For Drouin, a deal with the Avala