Avalanche's Jonathan Drouin: Not at practice Friday

Drouin (lower body) is still absent from practice Friday, Brennan Vogt of The-Rink.com reports.

Drouin missed all five games of the opening round versus Winnipeg and has yet to make an appearance at practice during the postseason. The 29-year-old had his best offensive season as an NHLer in 2023-24, picking up 56 points in 73 games, including 19 points on the power play. Drouin saw plenty of time on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon during the regular season. Look for Valeri Nichushkin, who had seven goals in five games during the first round, to remain on the top line until Drouin is ready to return.