On Wednesday, the New York Rangers announced that general manager and president of hockey operations Chris Drury has received a multi-year contract extension. This decision comes just days after the team parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette following a difficult season in which the Rangers failed to make the playoffs.
In an official statement, MSG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan expressed his support, saying, “I am pleased that Chris will continue to lead the Rangers hockey operations in his role as President and General Manager. Throughout his time with the team, Chris has demonstrated his passion for the Rangers, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Although we are all disappointed by last season’s outcome, I have confidence in his ability to steer this organization toward success.”
Drury, who took over as general manager in 2021, guided the Rangers to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons before the team fell short in 2024–25, finishing with a 39-36-7 record and missing the postseason by six points. “I’m grateful to sign this extension and continue working with the team I’ve supported since childhood,” Drury said. “This organization means everything to me, and I’m eager to keep pushing toward our goals this offseason.”
Midway through the season, New York began reshaping the roster through several trades, including the departures of captain Jacob Trouba and former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko. Drury accepted full accountability for the disappointing season during a media session following head coach Peter Laviolette’s dismissal. Just a year prior, the Rangers had won the Presidents’ Trophy with a league-best 55 points and reached the Eastern Conference Final.
“After last season’s success, we entered this year with high expectations and unfortunately didn’t live up to them,” Drury said. “We all need to be better—myself included. To give us the best shot at achieving our goals, I felt a change was necessary.”
Drury will now lead the search for a new head coach—the organization’s third in just four years, following stints by David Quinn, Gerard Gallant, and Laviolette since the 2020-21 season.
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