The New York Rangers’ recent on-ice struggles are reportedly tied to issues off the ice, with general manager Chris Drury being at the center of the team’s frustrations, according to a recent report. The Rangers’ players are said to be dissatisfied with Drury’s decisions, particularly his management style, rather than any dissatisfaction with head coach Peter Laviolette.
In a players-only meeting, which took place recently, it was made clear that the team’s issues were not rooted in coaching. As reported by Steve Dangle of SDPN, the players focused on Drury’s leadership, with little to no concern regarding Laviolette. Dangle emphasized that the players do not perceive Laviolette as the problem, or at least not the primary issue, stating that “their main gripe was Chris Drury.” The meeting reportedly indicated that the players’ frustration stemmed from the general manager’s decisions, signaling a disconnect between the front office and the team on the ice.
Dangle went further, suggesting that some players felt Drury had “lost the room,” implying that the relationship between the general manager and the players was strained. The source pointed to a series of controversial moves by Drury, which have contributed to a decline in team morale without bringing about the desired improvement in performance.
One of the first moves that raised concerns was the trade of former captain Jacob Trouba, who left under circumstances that some believed indicated deeper issues within the organization. Trouba’s departure and his comments following the trade hinted that his exit was not merely the result of individual dissatisfaction, but rather a reflection of a broader issue with team management. According to Dangle, the situation wasn’t as simple as a single player being “an entitled brat.” Instead, Trouba’s comments were seen as representing the collective sentiments of the team, suggesting a disconnect between the players and Drury.
The situation worsened with another contentious trade. On Wednesday, the Rangers sent Kaapo Kakko, their former second overall pick, to the Seattle Kraken, just days after Kakko was made a healthy scratch during a game. This decision further fueled speculation about Drury’s management and his impact on the team’s dynamics. Kakko’s trade, particularly following his benching, seemed to suggest that Drury was making decisions without considering the long-term impact on player morale or team cohesion.
These moves have coincided with a disappointing run of results on the ice. The Rangers are currently sitting with a .500 record of 15-15-1, mired in a three-game losing streak. The team’s struggles are compounded by the sense that the roster changes have not only failed to improve the team’s performance but have also caused tension within the locker room.
Despite these frustrations, the team’s focus on Drury’s leadership decisions points to a larger issue of communication and trust between the general manager and the players. While Drury’s decisions have not borne fruit in terms of team performance, they have clearly caused division among the players, with some feeling that their concerns are not being addressed adequately by management.
The Rangers’ upcoming matchup against the Dallas Stars will be crucial as they look to break their losing streak and regain momentum. However, it remains to be seen if the front office will address the players’ grievances with Drury or if further moves will be made to appease the team. As the season continues, the Rangers’ internal dynamics will likely continue to be a key story, with many wondering how the relationship between the players and management will evolve. The struggles in the locker room, coupled with on-ice challenges, suggest that significant changes might be needed if the team is to turn things around.
