Trusted Rangers insider believes GM Chris Drury will be making a move for this unexpected forward

The New York Rangers could use another top-nine forward, as the forward core as it exists now is clearly going to be phased out.

With Chris Kreider gone and speculation that Mika Zibanejad may be next, GM Chris Drury will have to utilize free agency to fill the gaps left in the lineup.

Drouin rejoined his former Mooseheads teammate, Nathan MacKinnon, in Colorado during the 2023-24 NHL season. After a dismal stint in Montreal, we weren't sure what to think of his future in Colorado.

However, you can't discount chemistry on the ice as Drouin has taken advantage of the opportunity to make himself a relevant top-nine forward in the NHL after two years in the Ball Center.

In 43 games this season, he scored 37 points (11-26), and the year prior showed up on the score sheet quite often with 56 points total scored.

Now, a UFA, he appears to be on the New York Rangers' radar.

Drouin's last contract, signed with the Avalanche, paid him a total of $2.5 million AAV over the last year.

Colorado Hockey Now thinks he could find himself with a meager raise for his next deal at $2.9 million AAV with some term attached, compared to the last one-year deals he's signed with GM Chris McFarland.

That shouldn't be an issue for GM Chris Drury, who has plenty of cap space to work with this postseason.

The question is will he sign in New York, or with the Devils?