Rangers GM Chris Drury’s 5 Best & Worst Moves
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The Hockey Writers
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Chris Drury, the general manager of the New York Rangers, has made significant moves that have shaped the franchise's competitive landscape. Among his best decisions was acquiring Adam Fox from the Carolina Hurricanes in 2019. Fox, who quickly established himself as one of the NHL's premier defensemen, has bolstered the team’s blue line and contributed greatly to their success. Another successful move was the selection of Kaapo Kakko with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Kakko's offensive abilities make him a key component of the Rangers' future.
However, not all of Drury's moves have yielded positive results. One of his more controversial decisions was the signing of Nikita Zadorov, whose inconsistent performance raised eyebrows among fans. Zadorov's struggles highlighted the challenges of identifying the right fit to complement the team's core. Additionally, the trade for a veteran goalie that didn’t pan out as expected is another aspect scrutinized by analysts, as it impacted the team's cap space and performance in net.
Ultimately, Drury's tenure has been defined by a mix of brilliance and missteps. Balancing between nurturing young talents like Alexis Lafreniere and leveraging experienced players constitutes the delicate strategy Drury must navigate. As the Rangers aim for a return to the playoffs, the focus remains on how Drury's past decisions will affect their chances in the competitive Eastern Conference.
However, not all of Drury's moves have yielded positive results. One of his more controversial decisions was the signing of Nikita Zadorov, whose inconsistent performance raised eyebrows among fans. Zadorov's struggles highlighted the challenges of identifying the right fit to complement the team's core. Additionally, the trade for a veteran goalie that didn’t pan out as expected is another aspect scrutinized by analysts, as it impacted the team's cap space and performance in net.
Ultimately, Drury's tenure has been defined by a mix of brilliance and missteps. Balancing between nurturing young talents like Alexis Lafreniere and leveraging experienced players constitutes the delicate strategy Drury must navigate. As the Rangers aim for a return to the playoffs, the focus remains on how Drury's past decisions will affect their chances in the competitive Eastern Conference.