Despite a disappointing season that saw them become the fourth team in NHL history to go from winning Presidents’ Trophy to missing the playoffs, the New York Rangers and general manager Chris Drury have agreed to a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday afternoon.
“I am pleased that Chris will continue to lead the Rangers hockey operations in his role as president and general manager,” team owner James Dolan said. “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 2024-25 season was nothing short of a disaster for both Drury and the Blueshirts. While reports of unrest and even a toxic work environment were leaking out, questionable moves appeared to dislodge the glue that held a contending team together.
Barclay Goodrow being waived last summer did not sit well with the players. Ex-captain Jacob Trouba was dealt after a long, drawn-out trade process to the Anaheim Ducks. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche — a deal that veteran forward Mika Zibanejad expressed bitter disappointment with at locker cleanout day. Even the dismissal of head trainer Jim Ramsay two years ago was believed to negatively impact the locker room.
As a result, the Rangers were unrecognizable from last season’s machine, which won a franchise record 55 games for 114 points and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. They mustered just 85 points this season and did not make the playoffs.
Laviolette was fired just days after the regular-season finale, making him the third head coach to be axed by the Rangers in the last five years.
“I am honored to sign this contract extension and continue in this position with the team I grew up supporting,” Drury said. “As I said when I began in this role nearly four years ago, there isn’t a more special organization in hockey, and I look forward to continuing our work this offseason to help us reach our goals for next season and in the coming years.”
