New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury spoke with the media on Wednesday to discuss this season and the direction of the team heading into next season.
New York Rangers GM Chris Drury took his turn at the media table on Wednesday morning to talk about what he thought about this season and expectations for next year.
The success of the season and Ryan Strome’s injury were a few things Drury touched on. As is standard by most teams, contracts were not on the table to be discussed.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what our players and coaches accomplished. [It’s a] special group.”
To no surprise, the Kappo Kakko healthy scratch was brought up with Drury defending both his coach’s decision and the play of Kakko this year.
“It’s Turk’s lineup card and I support the decision he made,” when asked about Kakko being out of Game 6. He went in to say about Kakko, “Kakko is an all-world player, a young player who’s still developing. He and I had a real good discussion before he left yesterday.” Vince Mercogliano.
It didn’t sound like there were any issues with Kakko and Drury sounded optimistic he would be with the club next season. “There’s obviously a lot of belief from me and the staff of what his future holds. I know he’s excited for a good offseason and to come back next year and be ready.”
Ryan Strome’s injury and contract situation are unknown on both issues. Drury said he went sure if Strome would need surgery to repair a pelvic injury that’s occurred in the middle of the regular season.
As for his UFA eligibility, Drury wouldn’t get into the financial side of the decision to re-ssign him or not. He did acknowledge the importance of a second-line center,
‘It’s a very important position for us and for any team. Centers are hard to get. That’s one we’re looking at, we’ve been looking at & we continue to discuss.”
More Drury Quotes
Alexis Lafreniere- “His play will dictate what line he’s on. As you all know, there’s nothing guaranteed, but he’s a heck of a player with a bright future. If he ends up playing on the right in the top six, I think we’ll be a pretty good team.”
Vitali Kravtsov- “I don’t think we’ve ever wavered from our stance of, he’s an all-world talent. He does a lot of things on the ice that a lot of people can’t… Like everyone else, your play dictates where you end up. But we’re certainly glad to have him back in the mix.”
NHL Calender
- The 2022 NHL Draft is scheduled for July 7-8 at Bell Centre in Montreal.
- First buyout period: July 1-12 (5 p.m. ET)
- The signing period for restricted and unrestricted free agents will begin July 13 at noon ET.