Avalanche's Jared Bednar gives Jonathan Drouin update

Thursday was a big day for Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin. The skilled winger was a participant in the Avalanche's morning skate, which is a very encouraging development.

With Drouin returning to the ice, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was asked how the key forward's recovery is going. Here's what the Avalanche's bench boss said on the matter:

"He's made some really good progress over the last few days. Getting stronger in the gym, feeling good with his rehab... And then yesterday skating for the first time and obviously joining the group today. That's a quick second step there. So, things are moving in the right direction with him but still no timeline."

While Bednar noted that the club still does not know when Drouin will officially be good to go, it is apparent that he is heading in the right direction. Seeing him get back on the ice with his teammates is massive, and now the hope is that he will continue to trend in the right direction from here.

Drouin, 29, emerged as a major part of the Avalanche's roster this season. In 79 games, the 2013 first-round pick posted 19 goals and a career-high 56 points. Clearly, he thrived playing with his former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon.

We will now need to wait and see how Drouin's recovery goes from here. He is trending in the right direction, which is simply wonderful news.

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