Just four days after parting ways with their head coach, the New York Rangers announced Wednesday that team president and general manager Chris Drury has signed a multi-year contract extension.
While specific details of the deal weren’t disclosed, the 48-year-old Drury expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the franchise he supported as a kid growing up in Connecticut.
“As I said when I first took on this role nearly four years ago,” Drury noted in a statement, “there’s no organization more special in hockey. I’m excited to keep building this offseason as we aim to achieve our goals next year and beyond.”
One of Drury’s immediate challenges is finding a replacement for Peter Laviolette, who, along with associate head coach Phil Housley, was dismissed on Saturday. The Rangers missed the playoffs this season with a 39-36-7 record, falling six points short. Just a year prior, they had topped the league with a 55-23-4 mark and captured the Presidents’ Trophy, eventually falling to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.
Laviolette, who took over in 2023 from the ousted Gerard Gallant, also lasted just two seasons behind the Rangers’ bench.
Drury stepped into the GM and president roles in May 2021 following six years in the organization’s front office. Since then, the Rangers have posted a 193-105-30 regular-season record—the best four-year stretch in franchise history—and made three playoff appearances, including two trips to the conference finals.
“Throughout his time with us, Chris has demonstrated unwavering passion, a tireless work ethic, and a strong commitment to excellence,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of MSG Sports. “Although we’re all disappointed with this season’s outcome, I’m confident he’s the right person to lead us forward.”
A former Rangers captain himself, Drury played 892 games across 12 NHL seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers from 1998 to 2011.
