The Rangers very rarely make announcements regarding contract extensions for executives or staff members. It’s close to never.
So Wednesday’s late day announcement from Garden CEO Jim Dolan of Chris Drury’s “multi-year” extension as president and GM can certainly be interpreted as a firm message to the players as to who is in charge in the wake of Monday’s exit day meetings and discourse.
It also sends a message that the hierarchy recognizes that rebuilding the Rangers into Cup contention is not necessarily a quick-fix scenario. There has been instability behind the bench with each of the last two coaches lasting only two seasons but extending Drury creates stability in the front office.
“Over his tenure, Chris has shown passion for the Rangers, relentless work ethic, and a tireless pursuit of excellence,” Dolan said in a statement. “While we are all disappointed in what transpired last season, I am confident in his ability to guide this organization to success.”
Drury, entering his fifth year on the job after succeeding John Davidson as president and Jeff Gorton as GM the final days of the 2020-21 season, is conducting a coaching search after his first two hires, Gerard Gallant and Peter Laviolette, both flamed out in Year Two after first-season success that brought the club to the conference finals in 2022 and 2024.
The GM presided over the Presidents’ Trophy winning 2023-24 season before this season’s collapse out of the playoffs with a drop from 114 points to 85 in a season buffeted by controversy.
But while some believed — or hoped, or both — that the calamity would cost Drury his job, a statement and a message was delivered on Wednesday.
