Drouin: It’s an exciting time with the Islanders as he signs two-year deal
French connections help drive Jonathan Drouin’s transition to New York, where he is set for a prominent role
Jonathan Drouin said it’s an exciting time to be with the New York Islanders after signing a two-year, $8 million contract in free agency. The Quebec native, a Ste-Agathe, Quebec, resident, spoke Thursday about his conversations with former Islanders Anthony Beauvillier and Derick Brassard before inking the deal, and he noted that being able to communicate with general manager Mathieu Darche in French was a factor in his decision. “Just exciting,” Drouin said after finishing his first practice as an Islander. “[Darche is] new here, so he’s figuring out stuff as he goes as well. The way he sees the team, the way he sees the future as well. Exciting for us, even though I’m not 25, 24 [years old] anymore, it’s exciting to see what he brings.” Drouin began training camp Thursday on the top line with Bo Horvat and Maxim Shabanov, a sign that the Islanders see the winger occupying a key role this season and likely to factor heavily into the power play.
Drouin stressed that the Islanders are a strong team on paper and noted that last season’s near-miss was tempered by injuries that limited several players. “Last year, they were right there. I think [Mathew] Barzal missed 60 games, there were injuries like every team has, not excuses, but when this group is healthy, look at the lineup,” he said. “There’s a lot of good players, lot of good lines, D-pairs. Another factor is [Ilya] Sorokin’s a hell of a goalie.”
New Islander Jonathan Drouin takes a shot during the team’s practice on Sept. 18, 2025. The team opened training camp at the Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, N.Y., with Drouin aiming to help drive a healthier, deeper attack.
“I think we were all curious to see how he would skate,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said after practice. “Very happy.”
Pelech practiced with a jaw protector but had no limitations for drills, and New York goalie David Rittich defended the goal between Jesse Pulkkinen and Mathew Barzal during the session.
Drouin also underscored the value of the Islanders’ French-speaking connections in fostering a quick fit. He noted that Beauvillier and Brassard, both French speakers, were helpful in easing his transition, and that Darche’s fluency in French helped him feel more at home with the franchise.
“Just the fact that I can speak with the GM in my language, it helps,” Drouin said. “That’s something I haven’t had a lot in the past. It makes the process a little easier to understand what we’re building and what his plans are for the team.”
The Islanders’ leadership group has emphasized continuity and growth as they opened camp in mid-September, with Drouin’s signing representing one of several moves aimed at strengthening depth on both the forward and power-play units. Darche, in his early tenure, has signaled a plan to lean into a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple locations, including a top-line role and special-teams appearances.
For Drouin, the pairing with Horvat on the top line and a likely central role on the power play creates a pathway to quickly become a central figure in New York’s attack. He will have to translate what he did with Colorado over the past two seasons into a full-season impact with a team that pushed deep into the playoffs when healthy last year. If the early signs from practice are any indication, the Islanders are counting on a fast-adjusting, high-skill winger to help drive their plans for the upcoming campaign.