Chris Drury will be President & GM of NYR

[Ranger71]

Very shortsighted by Dolan. You can't cut corners and rush the rebuild or it won't pay dividends as much as you want. So what if they didn't make the playoffs this year with no fans and a condensed sched. with a tougher setup? Doesn't mean the team didn't take another good step forward. He's letting the Wilson thing freak him out when in reality it wasn't all that bad and would've happened either way, even if we had a bunch of guys with 'grit'. He saw what the roster was all year and didn't make a fuss about it until now.

 

[NYR Fan]

Yeah, and this is why Dolan is an awful untrustworthy owner. He is all in on the letter and patience. Then 3 years later he bails on that and fires two great executives because they wanted to continue patience and build the right way. That's not the type of mindset and approach you want from your owner. Did he think patience and reboot meant 1 year? Ridiculous. This will shorten our window also as the mandate will be go get it done, which means bigger salaries and forget having so many kids. Kreidertime should not be happy today.

Bottom line is this, like I said, rebuild over, old Rangers back this summer - just hope Drury doesn't get crazy and deal too many kids and the wrong ones (Lafreniere, Kakko, Kravtsov, etc.) to placate Dolan.

And like it or not, this is will be Drury, Sather, and Messier's organization. Drury as Pres and GM, Sather as his Sr. advisor and mentor, and Messier as coach or some other role. You decide if that is good or bad.

I think Drury could do well, but he is not ready for that type of responsibility having never even been an NHL GM, which concerns me because he may defer to Sather a lot, and that is scary. And Messier has never been a coach, or frankly done any role he may get. It is troubling.

 

[NYR Fan]

A few things are clear after today.

1. Rebuild is over - When it comes to the “rebuild” it sounds like it should be considered over. Drury made it clear that he takes this job “very, very, very seriously.” His mission to the fanbase was direct. “My goal is to bring a Cup to MSG. Period.” “I really believe in what we’ve accomplished since The Letter. We have a lot of good pieces & it’s an exciting time for the org,” Drury explained. “When the season ends, we’re going to take a look at everything and see if we can take the next step and make ourselves a playoff team.” Drury added the he believes Rangers fans are going to be very excited with the moves they make. “I think we do have a lot of good assets and we’re going look at everything and try to figure out how best to take the next step forward,” Drury hinted. The Rangers are going to take a handful of these younger players and package them for the pieces they need.

2. Sather was all over that press conference today. He will be heavily involved, and 100% Drury is the Pres and GM for good.

3. Quinn is gone next week - When asked about the future of David Quinn, he would not discuss publicly the future of anyone’s job. Take that as you will, but it does not bode well for most coaches. If there was no intention to make a change behind the bench this was on opportunity for Drury to say so. Glen Sather further commented that there will be a lot of decisions to be made next week.

 

[NYR Fan]

Sounds like absolutely adding a big C, Eichel the main target, but not the only C available.

The Rangers know that Eichel isn’t the only center that will be available this summer. Names expected to be shopped are Aleksander Barkov, Evgeni Malkin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Of those pivots, only Barkov would be as steep a price.

Adding a vet dman to play with the kids.

Adding more toughness on the 4th line.

Those sound like the main goals this summer.

 

[Greyvtrayn]

If I had my choice of those players I would 100% take Barkov.

 

[mrmel29]

If I had my choice of those players I would 100% take Barkov.

Me too!

 

[Ranger71]

I'm not sure you can read too much into Drurys comments as Quinn is likely gone. I think he doesn't want to sound one way or the other right off the bat in his introductory conference. I actually think it's more likely he gives Quinn into next season.

 

[NYR Fan]

I say no shot.

 

[Stepupstepan]

Quinn can go. He sucks. End of story. CD, please hire a real coach.

 

[NYR2009]

Give Drury a chance. A team is built around core players, core talent and we have core talent already. I am not sure why Gorton wanted to take more time building this team. Look what happened to Edmonton. Do you want 10 years to rebuild?

I still don't understand why Gorton did not get a veteran C to play with Kakko and LFA on the 3rd line. That was my question all season. Why couldn't Gorton/JD get Eric Staal? We had the cap room this year, and it was wasted. Get a one-year contract to develop kids. Most of the year LFA-Chytil-Kakko did pretty much nothing. Blackwell played on the second line instead of Kakko. Kakko clearly deserved to play on the second line. And for what in the end? And Gorton got rid of one player that knew how to fight. I think grey said that Lemuix requested a trade. Who gives a shit what he wanted? And even if you trade Lemuix, Kings have plenty of thugs, we could have gotten one back.

As long as Drury doesn't touch: LFA, Kakko, Fox, Miller, Kravstov (unless for an Echiel type center and keeps Buch instead), Zibanjad, Shesterkin, and Panarin, we are fine. How many young kids do we need? We have at least 10 great defensemen in the system now. Do we really need all 10? Our trading chips are: 2 talented defensemen, 2 above average defenseman, Chytil, Buch, Gauthier, and future picks to finish this rebuild now and still be a young team.

We have the best farm in the NHL for a few years now. How much more picks do we need?

 

[NYR2009]

Seriously, why the words "rebuild is over" scares Ranger fans? We have:

LFA-Z-Kravtsov or Buch (one has to go for 2C). -> I would keep Kravtsov
Panarin - 2C - Kakko

Top 6 is done!

Kreider-3C(not Chytil)-Gauthier (or someone)
Whatever-Whatever-Whatever

Lingren - Fox
Miller - Trouba
Schnieder-Robertson-Lundqvist-Jones (2 out of 4)

We have two positions to fill: 2c and 3c

and our trading chips are: (Chytil, Buch or Kravtsov, Gauthier, Strome and 2 out of (Robertson, Lundqvist or Jones). I assume Schieder we need for size. It is hard to pass on both Jones and Lundqvist but there is simply no room and we have a few future picks.

If we wait our current prospects will simply degrade playing on the 3rd and 4th lines again under Quinn.

I am not sure if Drury or Sather questioned why Kakko and LFA spent most of the year on the 3rd line and the team still did not make the playoffs. To me, that is a failure and simply doesn't make sense. If the argument from Gorton was, well we played LFA and Kakko on top 2 lines to develop them, hence we went through growing pains and missed playoffs, which will pay off later, then that would be fine, but they did not do that. Not to mention the fact that the team lacks toughness, which is secondary.

Eichel should not cost more than 3 1st rounders, and if the price is higher then he is not worth it. (1st pick this year, Sabres 3rd back, Chytil, (Kravtsov or Buch or Lundqvist) should get that one done.

3C shouldn't be too difficult to find. Even if we don't, Strome would suffice if we get Boyle type faceoff guy onto our 4th line.

 

[panzerporter]

I would think Quinn would be gone end of season if CD is making his mark on the Rangers, don't know if Messier is the right choice for coach - could be lots of hurt feelings and career destruction from the old school Captain.. The CEO told JD/Gorton the team was soft and Quinn called the team out for being soft early in the season yet nothing was done to protect the young future. With the glut of young talent the Rangers could have easily landed a guy like Lucic or similar inexpensive goon but instead we keep Rooney and DiGi. The result is the Rangers getting physically embarrassed too many times especially toward the end of the year.

 

[NYR2009]

Yeah, I agree panzer. Mantha was tapping Buch like he is some sort of a kid. I don't know if you guys noticed, but multiple times Mantha was taking those liberties right before Buch crosschecked him. That is a failure on Gorton/JD's part, and we don't know if Dolan requested toughness from Gorton. We judge from the side. And the Tom Wilson incident could have been just confirmation and the last straw after the superstar player gets pulled by the hair and thrown onto the ice. Again, if Dolan voiced such concerns in the past year to Gorton and instead of addressing the issue, Gorton trades Lemuix then I get it.

Tom Wilson is tougher than Lemuix, he is bigger, but still, while Lemieux was around it wasn't as bad.

 

[panzerporter]

The fact that Mika stood there and did nothing but issue a disappointed postgame statement when Wilson went off speaks volumes to me regarding his future here. I was surprised to hear in Messier's interview that the Rangers hadn't had much contact with him the last few years - wonder if Mess would be open to assistant coach/face off specialist. Sadly crap like that beatdown has happened too often to the Rangers marquis players over the years since the Cup .

 

[Greyvtrayn]

Bringing in a franchise legend to coach the team doesn't seem like a sound idea to me. Virtually every coach's tenure ends with them being fired and it doesn't make sense to risk tarnishing their reputation and esteem they hold with the organization. Plus, I'm not aware of him being a coach at any level. If they are in contend for a cup mode now, hiring an inexperienced coach isn't the best move in my eyes.

 

[NYR Fan]

I agree, and he does not have any coaching experience. If I were to guess I'd say he'll be part of the organization in some way, but I don't think he'll be the coach. I would hope they hire a proven NHL coach given the circumstances.

 

[NYR2009]

I think it is the first time agree with Grey and NYR Fan. I don't think bringing in an inexperienced coach and first-time GMs is a good idea. I think Drury will do a great job, but it has to be an experienced coach. How about Mike Babcock? I know he had his share of controversy but he might be rehabilitated now.

 

[Greyvtrayn]

I think it is the first time agree with Grey and NYR Fan. I don't think bringing in an inexperienced coach and first-time GMs is a good idea. I think Drury will do a great job, but it has to be an experienced coach. How about Mike Babcock? I know he had his share of controversy but he might be rehabilitated now.

haha We agree on plenty, I'm sure.

 

[NYR Fan]

Let’s first note that David Quinn has not been relieved of his duties yet, but almost unanimously around the rumor mill he’s expected to go. Recently, Nick Kypreos said he heard whispers that Mike Babcock may be a name considered for the next Rangers head coach. It sounds like Babcock really wants to get back in the NHL and could be lobbying hard to get his name under consideration.

Also during the show, Kypreos’ cohost Doug Maclean heard a name I did as well. John Tortorella’s contract will expire after the Blue Jackets next game and James Dolan absolutely loves him. Matter of fact, Dolan responded to a question about Torts just months after his firing in NY that almost sounded like a love letter.

There’s likely to be a myriad of coaches interviewed if indeed they part ways with David Quinn, which could happen as early as today I’m told. Both Tortorella and Babcock would be candidates, as could Gerard Gallant and Claude Julien. Another name that may get an interview is Patrick Roy, an old teammate of Drury’s in Colorado.

However, all that’s happened has been set into motion thanks to James Dolan’s desire to change the culture. A culture he claims was missing that winning attitude. While the decision’s are said to be completely in Drury’s hands there’s no doubt in my mind that it will be Tortorella’s job again.

Drury also has good history with Torts and a mutual respect. During Torts’ first few years at the helm in NY it was Drury that was his captain before injury forced him to retire. They both have a desire to win it all on Broadway and the reunion that dates back almost 20 years is in the making.

 

[NYR Fan]

Quinn will be gone today or tomorrow, and if it is Torts I wouldn't be upset. The guy gets a lot out of his players, he just has a shelf life of 5 years or so. And with this team ready to win next season, and talent to be added, we could do a lot worse IMO.

 

[Ranger71]

Ehh, i don't know about going down the Torts road again, with this young team, i think that could be a mismatch. Roy i don't think is a great choice but the Drury connection could help him for sure. Babcock or Julien are safe bets that might be the way to go for now. Maybe there's a few minor league guys ready for a shot.

 

[NYR Fan]

Yeah, Torts wouldn't be my top choice either, but if he were the guy I wouldn't be angry. I would focus on a guy with NHL coaching experience for a team that wants to win next season.

 

[panzerporter]

Torts is horseshit - players nowadays don't respond positively to his tantrums if they ever did. I know Luongo won him that Cup decades ago but he hasn't done shit to develop anyone since, I'd rather see Messier.

 

[strudwickisthebest]

It was Khabibulin! That’s how long ago. Noooo to Torts he takes years off players careers with the shot blocking nonsense

 

[NYR Fan]

We need a proven NHL coach not Messier IMO. There are some good coaches available, hopefully we can snag one of them. Tocchet is also available most likely in addition to Babcock, Gallant, and Julien.

 

[mrmel29]

No to torts. Don’t want to see the 6 goalie defense again. I’m still hoping that the rumors are true about Pitt management not wanting Mike Sullivan and that would be my first choice. After that I would give messier a shot if he’s interested with assistants graves and leetch. After that I’d rather give a worthy assistant a shot. No retreads. And for gods sake no more college coaches

 

[NYR2009]

If we are looking for a winning coach, it should be Mike Babcock first. Torts won the cup also. I would not be too upset with Torts, but I am not sure he is a good match for this group. Claude Julien is ok, I would put him after Babcock and Torts. Why not Kris Knoblouch? The players seem to like him based on a handful of games that he coached. He is not proven of course, but IMO it should be between Babcock and Knonlouch.

I finally heard Messier's interview on Michael Kay's show. I agree with him. There is a philosophy not to build a team around toughness, but Mess doesn't agree with such philisophy.

On Gorton/JD situation. I still have a question why Gorton needed one more year of getting picks instead of moving pieces around with current picks and money that the team has. It seems like this offseason is the most fun for Ranger GM.

 

[NYR Fan]

I think Messier would be the worst choice actually. The guy has never been a coach at any level. Just because he was a star player with a hard nosed mentality means his first coaching job should be the head coach of an NHL team that is ready to start winning? And let's double down by giving him two assistants that have never been coaches on any level either. That doesn't seem very logical to me at all.

Get a proven coach with NHL coaching experience and go from there.

 

[mrmel29]

Note to I’m not chuck even though we all know you are CHUCK LOL...... read my post again first choice is Sullivan if the rumors about him being released are true, messier is my second choice. And where does it say you have to have experience to be a good nhl coach when you are a legendary player that has the respect of all the players. Coaching and deciding who plays with what lines, what specialty teams and how much ice time is not rocket science. Both graves and leetch have been around hockey and the rangers since they’ve left and have a lot of knowledge and experience to show young players what to do. I don’t know what drury’s plans are since he didn’t call me to share them. I just dont want to see Quinn back. Almost anyone else except torts and his 6 goalie system would
Be an improvement.

 

[NYR Fan]

That's fine. Messier shouldn't be on the list, and certainly not with two unproven assistants. Let's bring in a head coach who has zero coaching experience, and then hire two assistants with zero coaching experience as well. I mean they were good/star players, and on the 94 team, so that should be good enough right. Come on man, put away the nostalgia. Outside of being a star player, why would you want to hire a no experience at any level head coach. It doesn't make sense.

Quinn will be gone by early this week, and then we'll look for a new coach. I am hopeful it will be a coach with good NHL experience. I personally am not a fan of Sullivan, but he would qualify as an experienced coach, and should be in the mix if he leaves the Pens, along with a few others mentioned here I'd guess.