The Colorado Avalanche might be getting a big boost for Monday night's Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, as head coach Jared Bednar said that Jonathan Drouin is a game-time decision, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

This is coming at a great time for the Avalanche, as they are down 2-1 ahead of a crucial home game on Monday. Falling down 3-1 to a team like the Stars is a tough situation, and the Avalanche would have to win three games in a row with two being on the road if they lose Game 4.

Jonathan Drouin skated on Monday morning, which is a positive update. He wore the same jersey color as the rest of the top powerplay unit. While still a game-time decision, that is a good sign for his status in the game. He has not played for the Avalanche since he got injured in the team's final regular season game. Jared Bednar did not downplay the importance of Drouin's potential return.

“He's a good player. Really good player,” Bednar said, via Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now. “We've missed him while he's been out. Has the ability to move around our lineup and help with the skill portion of it, the skating portion of it. He's become a really trusted defensive player for us. He brings a lot to the table.”

Drouin was a valuable scorer for the Avalanche this year, potting 19 goals and recording 37 assists for 56 points this season in 79 games, according to NHL.com. He is not the main piece for the Avalanche's offense, but he gives the lineup much more depth and versatility, as Bednar said.

When in the lineup, Drouin often slots into first line left wing spot next to Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, so it will be worth seeing where he slots in during the pregame rushes if he does play on Monday.

Avalanche's outlook ahead of Game 4

As mentioned before, it would be huge for the Avalanche to get a win to tie up the series. After Monday's game, the series will shift back to Dallas for Game 5, which is a tough place to win. The Avalanche's one win in this series came in Game 1, when they came back from three goals down to win in overtime.

Against a team like the Stars, it is not likely that you will be able to pull off comebacks like that multiple times in a series. It will be huge for the Avalanche to get on the board first in Game 4. This matchup on paper seemed like one that could go the distance to seven games. It very well could still go that way, but the Avalanche are in a big spot on Monday, and hopefully Drouin can return and help even up the series.