Jack Drury was acquired to be a third-line center last January but eventually ended the year on the fourth line. That was supposed to be the case again this season, but an offseason trade that sent Charlie Coyle to Columbus re-elevated Drury back to 3C.
Whether he stays in that spot past this season’s trade deadline is anybody’s guess. But for now, as the Avalanche enter Thursday’s matchup with just one regulation loss through 19 games, it’s been working out just fine.
“He’s been good. I’ve liked that line,” head coach Jared Bednar said of Drury, who centers Gabe Landeskog and Victor Olofsson. “I’ve liked him a lot. Some games, they have a little bit more impact than others on the offensive side of things, but I think on the defending side, they’ve been steady and solid against all kinds of different matchups.”
Drury has three goals and four assists in 19 games. He’s on pace to reach 30+ points for the first time in his career. He’s also playing a career-high 15:10 per game in a full season. His defensive metrics look solid; he’s a strong piece of Colorado’s No. 2-ranked penalty kill.
He’s got all of the attributes that make an effective 3C. Is that how Bednar sees him?
“Right now, he’s a 3C,” Bednar said.
We’ll have to wait until March to see if that changes.
Meanwhile, the Avs’ organization has sort of changed its tune from past seasons regarding depth pieces on the bottom lines. They’ve taken a more proactive approach of locking up bottom-six forwards before their contracts expire.
For example, Logan O’Connor got a six-year extension last season while still under contract. On July 1, Parker Kelly signed a five-year deal that doesn’t begin until next fall.
We’ve also seen Gavin Brindley lock up a two-year contract. Is Drury next? Perhaps. But he wasn’t ready to show his cards.
“To be honest, I really don’t care that much. I’m just focused on the day-to-day. That’s when I play my best is when my mindset is just being totally present and taking it one day at a time,” Drury told me on Wednesday at Colorado’s practice facility. “That stuff is really in the future. I can’t control it. That’s not worth me thinking about. So to be honest, I don’t think about it.”
Does that mean contract talks have not yet begun?
I could see why it would not be easy to gauge his value. The Avs might still see him as a fourth-line center, while Drury has proven to be a solid 3C.
“I don’t know, like, I can’t really like, I don’t know. I don’t think… Even if I did have an answer now, I don’t think I’d be comfortable sharing that, so I don’t think I can.”
Is a long-term contract the preference?
“I mean I absolutely love it here. I love playing for these coaches. I love playing for the management here. I love playing with these players, and it’s so fun being on such a good team that’s competing for a Stanley Cup this year, and gonna be for a long time,” Drury said. “That’s all I can ask for, and that’s all I can say. I love it.”
Sounds like contract talks aren’t something he wants to discuss publicly. It’s understandable. But a check-in with Drury was still necessary.
The change in his tone when asked about playing with Landeskog was the most noticeable part of the interview.
Landeskog, who turns 33 on Sunday, is already at the age where younger players spent their development years looking up to him. Drury was one of them.
He only had glowing remarks to make about No. 92.
“Incredible. I got a text about that a couple days ago. Actually, it’s so cool,” Drury said about getting to play on a line with the captain. “I mean, I grew up watching him and admiring him as much off the ice as I do on the ice. What a leader, what a human being. And he’s been a beast on the ice, like, he’s had what, three goals called off? He’s still producing even without that.”
Landeskog has two goals and four assists in 19 games. Half of that production has come in the last six games.
“He’s making plays. He’s so strong on the puck, really smooth,” Drury said. “I didn’t think he was, like, his edges are really smooth. He’s very balanced. He’s hard to knock off the puck, and he’s a warrior. It’s kind of a dream playing with him.”
Landeskog and Drury’s combined 13 points are two fewer than Olofsson — the third piece of the Avs’ third line. Albeit, six of Olofsson’s 15 points are on the power play.
“Everyone knows their role. Like Kels on the fourth line is producing a ton, but he’s still so strong on the defensive side of the puck. He’s been awesome on the penalty kill, blocking shots,” Drury said. “Olli, he’s a goal scorer, it’s a big part of his job, and he’s doing it. It’s been nice to get that production.
“We still have Nate and Cale. They’re going to get that side of things done. But I’ve liked the way everyone’s playing.”
