Rangers sign GM Chris Drury to multiyear extension
After the Rangers missed the playoffs and Drury fired coach Peter Laviolette on Saturday, this extension takes any other major changes off the table for the time being.
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'I am pleased that Chris will continue to lead the Rangers hockey operations in his role as president and general manager,' Rangers owner James Dolan said in a statement. 'Over his tenure, Chris has shown passion for the Rangers, relentless work ethic and a tireless pursuit of excellence. While we are all disappointed in what transpired this past season, I am confident in his ability to guide this organization to success.'
The Rangers have alternated successful seasons with disappointing ones in Drury's four years as GM, with the 2021-22 and 2023-24 teams coming within two wins of the Stanley Cup Final. But after down years in 2022-23 and this past season Drury made hasty coaching changes, firing Gerard Gallant two years ago to hire Laviolette and now embarking on a third coaching search in his short time at the helm.
The Rangers locker room fell apart this season under the weight of Drury's desired changes, which he began to implement last summer. He waived Barclay Goodrow and tried to trade captain Jacob Trouba, failing to do so when Trouba exercised his no-trade clause as a preemptive veto.
After a 12-4-1 start to the season was punctured by three losses, Drury sent out a leaguewide text to his 31 fellow GMs putting Trouba and Chris Kreider on the trade market. That sent the Rangers into a tailspin, and Drury moved out five regulars, including Trouba, in a bid to remake the roster on the fly.
Dolan addressed the team before Monday's exit interviews in a show of support for Drury. This extension solidifies that support despite the recent turmoil.
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