Avalanche's Jonathan Drouin takes step forward with recovery

The Colorado Avalanche are preparing for an important Game 4 matchup against the Dallas Stars on Monday night. A win will tie the series, but a loss will give the Stars a commanding 3-1 series lead. As a result, this feels like a must-win game for the Avalanche.

Leading up to this matchup, the Avalanche held their morning skate, which brought some optimism. Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin ditched his baby blue non-contact jersey and was seen wearing a regular blue PP1 jersey.

Following morning skate, head coach Jared Bednar told reporters, including The Hockey News Avalanche's Colleen Flynn, that Drouin is a game-time decision.

While Drouin shedding his non-contact jersey does not automatically mean that he will play in Game 4, it is still a huge step in the right direction for the 29-year-old winger.

Drouin has been sidelined for the entirety of the postseason thus far due to a lower-body injury. The Avalanche have been missing him immensely, as he became a massive part of their top six this season.

Drouin appeared in 79 regular-season games this season with the Avalanche, posting 19 goals and a career-high 56 points. Getting him back for Game 4 would be huge for the Avalanche, so this is something to pay incredibly close to over the next few hours.

Recent Avalanche news

3 Avalanche players named top free agents

Nathan MacKinnon & Nuggets star could join legendary company

Jamie Benn throws high hit on Avalanche's Devon Toews

Former Avalanche defenseman makes Canucks history