CHN Puck Links: Chris Drury Takes Charge of Rangers

I always had one word for Chris Drury, starting with his days as a rookie with the Colorado Avalanche – way, way back in 1998: Winner.

Drury won a Calder Trophy and a Stanley Cup in his four years with the Avs. Not bad. One of Pierre Lacroix’s few missteps as the GM of the Avs was trading him in 2002, to Calgary. He never won another Cup, but he had many more good years as a player. Earlier this week, after the sudden firing of Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, and team president John Davidson, Drury was given both job titles by Rangers owner James Dolan.

Drury said his No. 1 mission is to “bring a Stanley Cup to MSG.” I won’t bet against him.

Here’s a good story about Drury getting the job.

Around the league:

• There was a lot of pearl-clutching by some NHL media after the Rangers and Captitals had a dust-up (Hockey News).
• I think it was much ado about nothing. It’s a physical, occasionally violent game, played by grown men. Get over it, if it’s not tiddly-winks. Don’t watch the game if you don’t like some nastiness on occasion. Watch the NBA. Or, go to your safe space.
• Boston Bruins rookie goaltender Jeremy Swayman is off to a phenomenal, historic start to his career in Boston with another shutout on Thursday night. (Boston Hockey Now)
• Count Chicago Blackhawks players among those excited that the NHL is making the move to ESPN and Turner Networks next season. (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Everybody crows the Boston Bruins as the winners at the trade deadline after landing Taylor Hall, Mike Reilly and Curtis Lazar, but don’t sleep on the Penguins getting Jeff Carter. The veteran forward had four goals on Thursday night and has been great for the Pens since his arrival. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
• Wanna be a hockey writer?

National Hockey Now is interviewing for beat writers in several cities, including

Dallas
Seattle
D.C.
WBS Penguins (freelance)

Email interest: jobs@nationalhockeynow.com

— National Hockey Now (@nathockeynow) May 7, 2021