In an odd, but candidly honest, turn of events, New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has issued an official statement warning fans that the team is planning to make a big change in 2026.
The Rangers currently sit in dead last place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 20-22-6.
“We wanted to take a moment to connect with our loyal and passionate fanbase,” Drury’s statement read. “We know and feel your disappointment with how the season has gone to this point. We are just as frustrated and want nothing more than to deliver an on-ice product you can be proud of – it’s what drives us every day. No one in the organization is happy with what has transpired – from management, to coaches, to players.
“Over the last few years, we’ve had some successes and moments to cherish, but ultimately it was not the end goal. We are working relentlessly every day to bring a Stanley Cup back to New York because that is what our fans deserve.”
Drury’s statement comes after “fire Drury” chants filled the walls inside the mecha, Madison Square Garden, on Wednesday night.
Chris Drury Says The Team Will ‘Say Goodbye’ To Players
Drury said, in as many words, that the team will begin trading away players in an attempt to insert new life into the Rangers’ locker room.
“With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation,” Drury continued. “We are not going to stand pat – a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects. We will target players that bring tenacity, skill, speed, and a winning pedigree with a focus on obtaining young players, draft picks, and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward. That may mean saying goodbye to players that have brought us and our fans great moments over the years. These players represented the Rangers with pride and class and will always be a part of our family.”
One key portion of this letter is Drury’s announcement that the team plans to build around core players, while saying goodbye to role guys.
Fans will be interested to see who makes the cut.
Drury Says Rangers Are Not Giving Up
Don’t get the wrong impression, Rangers fans. Selling the team’s starters after starting below .500 is not a tank, Drury says; the team will continue to “play hard.”
“As we start on this new strategic plan, we will continue to play hard with pride and passion for our fans,” Drury continued. “We appreciate your unwavering support for the Rangers more than we can describe and thank you for all that you do for our organization. You will begin to see some of our plans come to light in the coming weeks and months. LGR”
Drury’s statemnt reportedly came after he met with the team to tell them of the front office’s plan first.
Rangers GM Warns Fans That Team Is Prepared To Tank