Through the first 16 games of the season, it is clear that Jack Drury has left no question that he is up to the task of being the third-line center for the Colorado Avalanche. In fact, his play has gone beyond just being “good enough” to the point of being completely trusted and relied upon by Jared Bednar, especially in key moments of each game.
Nothing flashy
Drury’s stats do not jump off the page. He is tied for ninth in team scoring with seven points so far (three goals and seven assists). He averages a modest 12.5 minutes of even strength ice time with two to three shots on goal per game. These numbers predict a 35-point season, which, while being a career-high, is not flashy production. With such ordinary numbers, why has Jack Drury become one of Jared Bednar’s favorite players.
Face-off king
It is no secret that the Colorado Avalanche are not known for being a dominant team in the face-off dot. In fact, since Bednar took over as coach, the Avs have only had a winning face-off percentage twice – in 2016-17 and in 2020-2021. Drury’s skill at winning face-offs makes him an important asset in gaining puck possession, especially at key moments in a game. Not only has his presence helped the team in that area, but it has also witnessed a jump in face-off production for all of the centers, most notably of which is Nathan MacKinnon.
Guarding the puck
When the puck is on his stick, Jared Bednar can trust that Jack Drury is going to make the smart play. Drury does not try and force plays that are not there and he puts the puck into safe spaces. He only has seven recorded giveaways this season, which is the lowest of all the regulars in the Avs lineup. When he does move the puck, it is often with quick, intentional touches whether it is to clear the zone, to direct it towards a teammate, or to put it on goal.
Away from the puck
Perhaps the most underrated part of Drury’s game is his play away from the puck. His strong fore-check in the offensive zone makes it difficult for opposing teams to exit the zone. He has taken 25 hits this season (tied for first on the team) and that willingness to absorb punishment during puck battles contributes to his line’s ability to maintain control of the puck and of play. He is also willing to sacrifice the body when it comes to blocking shots as he is second on the team for forwards with 15.
Stepping up on the penalty kill
If his 5v5 play was not enough, Jack Drury has been an indispensable part of the Colorado Avalanche’s penalty kill. With two of the team’s top penalty killers (Logan O’Connor and Joel Kiviranta) injured, Drury has stepped up alongside Parker Kelly to lead what is currently the third-best penalty kill in the league.
All of these different factors in Drury’s game has led Jared Bednar to trust him and lean on him in key game situations. Already this season, Drury is averaging two more minutes of ice time per game than he did with the Avs last season. In the most recent game against the Vancouver Canucks, he hit a season-high in ice time of over 18 minutes. The more that he solidifies his play moving forward, the more likely it is that the Colorado Avalanche will not be in the market for a new third-line center.