The New York Rangers announced a multi-year contract extension for general manager and president of hockey operations Chris Drury on Wednesday.
This move comes just days after the firing of head coach Peter Laviolette in the wake of a disastrous season that saw New York miss the playoffs.
“I am pleased that Chris will continue to lead the Rangers hockey operations in his role as President and General Manager,” MSG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan wrote in the official 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.”
Drury, who took over the job in 2021, led the team to playoff appearances in each of his first three seasons before the Rangers finished 39-36-7 in 2024–25 and missed the postseason by six points.
“I am honored to sign this contract extension and continue in this position with the team I grew up supporting,” Drury said. “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.”
New York began a midseason retooling with a series of trades, including moving captain Jacob Trouba and former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko.
New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal at Madison Square Garden.
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Drury took full responsibility for the team’s collapse in a media availability after Laviolette’s dismissal, coming off a season in which New York won the Presidents' Trophy, racking up an NHL-best 55 wins.
"After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves," Drury said. "Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included.
"As we head into next season and beyond, I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”
Drury begins the organization’s third coaching search in four years after the Rangers employed head coaches David Quinn, Gerard Gallant and Laviolette between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 seasons.
