Is New York’s General Manager Still the Right Man for the Rangers Reset?

Rangers’ fans may not have had the strongest expectations coming into this season, but it's safe to say these Blueshirts have hit the closest thing to rock bottom. As no move seems fit to turn this team into contenders, there appears to be no other option left. Fortunately, it seems this Rangers team has at long last made the decision, just not as most fans may think. Days after Rangers GM Chris Drury sent out the letter, fans now can only wait and see which Blueshirts they must bid farewell to. As it's clear which veterans are most likely to leave, either in the offseason or before the trade deadline, do fans still believe in the man responsible for fixing this team? As next season looks to be a new beginning for these New York Rangers, is Chris Drury the right man for the job?

So, what exactly went wrong with Chris Drury? Well, there's no doubt his track record is quite strong, with two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, mainly from a group he inherited when he was signed in May 2021. The results as of recently look to be more than enough evidence. A team that was meant to be contenders going into last season, as well as a team that was expected to bounce back this season, has plummeted far too much in the wrong direction. Despite making a few wise moves, like his long-term extension for Adam Fox, his recent moves to return this team to contention have done nothing but sink them further. In fact, his letter could not have come at a better time, as his eyes were set on Kiefer Sherwood from Vancouver, the last thing New York fans would want. It's not only this, but the GM is one of the last remaining parts of the Rangers that has yet to attempt being changed.

The Rangers have made some interesting roster moves over the years, but that's not the only change. New York has already gone through multiple coaches under Drury, just now landing Mike Sullivan, and has also undergone numerous changes to those behind the bench. The GM looks to be the only thing the Rangers refuse to move on from, and if they are really looking for a new beginning next season, James Dolan may have no choice. Fans have surely lost their patience, even more so after Drury announced a retool rather than a rebuild, but in the end, it's Dolan's patience that really matters. Few still believe Drury can fix this Rangers team if given a proper reset, but what can surely be said as of now is this GM is undoubtedly on the hot seat.