Jonathan Drouin a game-time decision for Avalanche in Game 4 vs Stars 

“He’s a good player, really good player,” Bednar said. “We’ve missed him while he’s been out… He’s become a really trusted defensive player for us.”

The 29-year-old recorded 19 goals and 56 points in 79 regular-season games after signing a one-year deal with Colorado in the summer. He has 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) and a minus-4 rating in 33 career Stanley Cup Playoff games. 

Drouin is a former teammate of Avalanche superstar and Hart-Trophy finalist Nathan MacKinnon. The two won a Memorial Cup with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2013 and MacKinnon played a big part in Drouin coming to Colorado as a free agent. 

The Quebec native was excellent against Dallas during the regular season. In four games against the Stars, he tallied five points (four goals, one assist), including a two-goal performance in a 5-4 overtime win on Jan. 4. It was one of only three multi-goal games for Drouin all season. 

The Avalanche used a three-goal comeback to win Game 1 in overtime in Dallas. But since then, Colorado has lost the past two games, including a 4-1 defeat in Game 3 at home Saturday. The Avs now trail Dallas 2-1 in the series heading into Game 4 on Monday at 9:30 p.m ET.