Drury Becomes Key Piece of Predators’ Future with Five-Year Extension
Jack Durry pressures Matthew Peca as he chases the puck during the 2022 Calder Cup Finals on June 22, 2022. Photo Credit: TheAHL.
Written By Gina Anton
The Nashville Predators have made it clear that Jack Drury is more than just a recent trade acquisition, he's a key part of the organization's future.
Just four days after acquiring the 26-year-old center from the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville signed Drury to a five-year, $22.5 million contract, reinforcing its commitment to him as a long-term piece of the roster. The quick extension sends a strong message that general manager Barry Trotz viewed Drury as much more than a depth addition, identifying him as a reliable center capable of filling an important role for years to come.
Drury arrives after tying a career high with 27 points while appearing in all 82 games for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche during the 2025-26 season. While those offensive numbers won't jump off the page, they reflect a player who has steadily developed into a dependable contributor in every situation.
His value extends well beyond the scoresheet. Drury established himself as one of the NHL's top faceoff specialists last season, winning 58.1 percent of his draws. His responsible two-way play also earned him Selke Trophy consideration, further highlighting his reputation as a dependable defensive forward. Those are exactly the qualities Nashville has prioritized in recent years, and his versatility gives the Predators another center capable of handling difficult defensive assignments, taking key faceoffs, and matching up against top competition.
Drury also proved he can elevate his game in the postseason, recording five points in 13 playoff games as Colorado advanced to the Western Conference Final. His ability to produce while maintaining his defensive reliability only adds to his value.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Drury has appeared in 268 NHL games between Carolina and Colorado, establishing himself as a dependable two-way center whose game continues to trend upward. Drury also played a key role in helping his team capture the 2022 Calder Cup, providing important contributions throughout the postseason.
With the new contract in place, the Predators have quickly turned a recent trade into a long-term investment. Drury may never be the flashiest player on the ice, but his combination of defensive reliability, faceoff ability, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for Nashville's identity. If his offensive game continues to develop, this contract could prove to be one of the most underrated moves of Nashville's offseason.
