 Druken was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 36th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft following his OHL rookie season.He turned professional in 1999–2000 and split the season between the Canucks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.He scored 45 points in 47 games with the Crunch, earning him AHL All-Rookie honours, while also appearing in 33 games for Vancouver, scoring 7 goals.