With Chris Drury’s recent contract extension, the New York Rangers enter a pivotal offseason full of uncertainty and promise. After overseeing one of the most underwhelming seasons in the franchise’s history, Drury is now under even more pressure to restore the Rangers to championship contention. Backed by owner James Dolan, Drury has the mandate and authority to reshape the team in his image, and he is tasked with addressing a roster that failed to live up to expectations.
Drury’s extension is not just a simple vote of confidence from Dolan—it’s a clear message to the entire organization. Dolan is staking his faith in the general manager who he hand-picked to rebuild the Rangers’ roster back in 2021. It’s a bold statement that Dolan is in no mood to entertain complaints or dissent. As ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski aptly put it, the timing of the extension sends a signal to the locker room: “Fall in line, or you’ll be rolled out.”
While some may question Dolan’s decision to extend Drury following a disappointing season, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Under Drury’s guidance, the Rangers secured a Presidents’ Trophy and made two deep runs to the Eastern Conference Final within the past four seasons. That’s the foundation Dolan is investing in—a team that has the talent to contend, but needs the right tweaks and leadership to break through.
The extension also sends a message to the players: there’s no more room for excuses. With the salary cap and player contracts looming large, Drury will have to make tough decisions to build a balanced, competitive roster. This offseason is as much about resetting the team’s culture and identity as it is about addressing on-ice shortcomings.
The first order of business for Drury is to clear the air with Mika Zibanejad. The veteran center was one of the Rangers’ most inconsistent players this season, and rumors of dissatisfaction have lingered throughout the year. Zibanejad, who has a no-move clause in his contract, publicly expressed frustrations with the team’s management and handling of certain departures. Now, Drury must sit down with the 32-year-old and find out where his commitment lies. Is Zibanejad all-in on remaining with the Rangers, or does he want out? Drury must resolve this issue before making any other roster moves.
If Zibanejad is no longer committed to the Rangers, Drury will need to explore trade options. The Rangers cannot afford to have a discontented star on the roster, especially one who plays a central role. His $8.5 million cap hit over the next five seasons makes him a valuable piece in the trade market, but only if Drury is willing to part ways. Alternatively, a successful meeting could reassure Zibanejad and restore his confidence, helping to solidify the Rangers’ core moving forward.
As for the coaching situation, Drury is also faced with a major decision. After firing Peter Laviolette, the Rangers are now in search of a new head coach. The GM has promised a thorough search, with an openness to hiring a first-time NHL coach. Drury’s ideal candidate is likely someone who brings a fresh perspective to the team—a coach who can get the best out of the current roster and instill a winning mentality. The hiring of a new coach will be Drury’s most critical decision this offseason, as the right hire could shape the Rangers’ future for years to come.
Among the potential candidates are a few familiar names. Mike Sullivan, the highly regarded head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, would be Drury’s dream acquisition. However, it seems unlikely that the Penguins would allow him to leave. Other potential options include Rick Tocchet, who could become available if he turns down an offer from the Vancouver Canucks, and Jay Woodcroft, the former Edmonton Oilers coach.
Another significant decision facing Drury is whether to retain the Rangers’ 1st-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Rangers finished with the 11th-worst record in the NHL, meaning they’ll be in the draft lottery with a slim chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick. Drury must decide whether to keep the pick or trade it away. This decision is complicated by the Rangers’ desire to contend next season—keeping the pick could help future-proof the team, but dealing it could bring in a player who can help immediately.
The Rangers’ current roster also features several players on the bubble, and Drury will need to make crucial decisions about their futures. Among them is K’Andre Miller, the talented but inconsistent defenseman who is set to become a restricted free agent. Miller has shown flashes of brilliance, but his play has been erratic at times. With arbitration rights and a potential raise on the horizon, Drury must weigh whether to offer him a long-term deal or move him for a return that helps balance the roster.
On top of these high-stakes moves, Drury must also consider the future of other pending free agents and restricted free agents, including Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom. While these decisions may not be as high-profile as Zibanejad or Miller, they will still play a significant role in shaping the team’s depth and overall cap situation.
Drury’s overarching goal is clear: he must restore the Rangers’ identity as a playoff-caliber team with a championship window. That will require balancing short-term success with long-term planning. The Rangers need to be built to win now, but they also need to be set up for sustained success over the next several years.
For Drury, the clock is ticking. Dolan’s faith is clear, but so is the pressure. The Rangers have a window of opportunity to contend, but it’s a narrow one. The decisions made in the coming months will define the next era of the franchise. If Drury can make the right moves, the Rangers will once again be Stanley Cup contenders. If not, the reset may be more than just a change of roster pieces—it could signal the start of a new chapter for the franchise entirely.