The New York Rangers have been in the midst of yet another challenging season. They’re near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. But the relative parity this season has kept the Blueshirts on the fringes of the playoff race.
But if fans and pundits believe massive changes will be coming in New York, they have another thing coming.
During a rare interview, Rangers owner James Dolan gave a crucial management staff member a major vote of confidence. Dolan made his support for GM Chris Drury patent while speaking with Craig Carton of WFAN.
The Athletic quoted Dolan’s support for Drury as follows:
“You have to be patient.” Dolan added, “Chris Drury is a winner and a competitor. He can’t stand to lose.”
The comments underscore just how much Dolan believes in his GM. Dolan even defended Drury’s decision to fire former Ranger coach Peter Laviolette last season by declaring:
“I think the team from last year didn’t really believe in themselves, and that made it hard.”
Reading between the lines, the comments suggest that Laviolette lost the room. That situation led to the club imploding, particularly towards the end of the season.
Drury’s decision to bring in two-time Stanley Cup champion coach Mike Sullivan as Rangers bench boss promised a turnaround this year. Unfortunately, that change has yet to manifest.
But as Dolan noted:
“The culture doesn’t turn around overnight.”
Again, the comments signal understanding on Dolan’s part. However, it’s unclear how long the leash will be for Drury and the team.
Rangers Owner Preaching Patience
The politically correct comments by Dolan underscore how patience is the key to the Rangers’ future. The team is not looking to go scorched Earth and rebuild. If anything, there’s a belief that this core still has the gas to make a serious playoff run.
That approach should be reassuring for the entire Rangers organization. After all, the last thing the team needs is to have the owner breathing down everyone’s necks.
Beyond that, the Rangers have had some very good signs this year. The Blueshirts clobbered the no-show Florida Panthers at the Winter Classic. The win snapped a three-game skid, while showing encouraging signs.
Dolan Issues Warning to NHL
The Rangers owner issued one final warning to the NHL”
“Don’t give up on my team this year.”
The comments have put the rest of the NHL on notice. The Rangers are looking to win. It’s evident no one is happy with the current situation. Players like Adam Fox, whose Olympic snub could have him playing with a chip on his shoulder, will do everything they can to turn things around.
The Rangers won’t be throwing in the towel any time soon. Even if Drury doesn’t make a massive trade at the deadline this year, keeping the core together is reassurance enough. Yes, the Blueshirts will be looking to upgrade any way they can. While that approach may not mean swinging for the fences like they did with Quinn Hughes, it could mean working towards setting the foundation for a winning club under Mike Sullivan.
Rangers Owner Makes Feelings Crystal Clear on GM Drury