Chris Drury

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Lore & Background

Drury's time with the Avalanche began in 1998 after being selected by the Quebec Nordiques in the third round of the 1994 draft. In his first season, he recorded 44 points to secure the Calder Memorial Trophy, becoming the first player in history to win both the Hobey Baker Award and the Calder Trophy. His reputation as a clutch performer grew rapidly; he scored 11 game-winning goals across four straight playoff seasons in Colorado. This ability to deliver under pressure made him a fan favorite, with captain Joe Sakic famously stating, "You want a goal, you're in overtime – you want him." Although his regular-season production dipped to 46 points in 2001–02, he remained a key figure on the roster before being traded to the Calgary Flames on October 1, 2002.

In Their Own Story

The 2001 Stanley Cup run remains the defining chapter of Drury's playing career with Colorado. After recording 65 points during the regular season, he elevated his game in the postseason, adding 16 points to help secure the championship. His value was most evident in high-pressure situations where he consistently delivered game-winning goals. The team's reliance on him was absolute; Sakic's endorsement of Drury as the go-to man for overtime goals highlighted the trust placed in his competitive nature. This period cemented his status not just as a skilled forward, but as a warrior who thrived when the stakes were highest. His departure from Colorado came after one final season where he recorded 46 points, leading to a trade that sent him and Stéphane Yelle to Calgary in exchange for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond, and Jeff Shantz.

Reader's Guide

For fans of the Avalanche, Drury's era represents a golden age of resilience and winning. From his rookie campaign in 1998–99 where he earned the Calder Trophy with 44 points, to the Stanley Cup victory in 2001, he was central to the team's identity. His statistical impact included a career-high playoff contribution that helped secure the title, alongside a remarkable streak of four consecutive seasons with multiple game-winning goals. Drury played as a forward who combined skill with an aggressive style, often finding himself in critical moments where his experience and poise made the difference. His legacy is tied to specific milestones: winning the Calder Trophy, capturing the Stanley Cup, and becoming the first player to win both the Hobey Baker Award and the Calder Trophy. These achievements define a career that transitioned from collegiate stardom at Boston University to NHL prominence in Denver.

Did You Know?

• Drury was the first player in history to win both the Hobey Baker Award and the Calder Memorial Trophy.
• He recorded 11 game-winning goals in four straight playoff seasons while with Colorado.
• Joe Sakic once said of Drury: "You want a goal, you're in overtime – you want him."
• Drury was traded to the Calgary Flames on October 1, 2002, after recording 46 points in the 2001–02 season.
• He won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001, adding 16 points in the playoffs.