'We're Going to Be Looking at Everything': Notes from Chris Drury's Press Conference
In the wake of firing head coach Peter Laviolette, Drury spoke about the disappointing season, the search for a new coach, team culture, and more.
Shortly after news broke that the Rangers have parted ways with Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley, Chris Drury held a press conference to address a number of things.
Drury opened the press conference with the following as opening remarks:
#NYR president and GM Chris Drury opening remarks:
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 19, 2025
"Leading into the season, given the success we had the last few year, we had high expectations. Quite simply, we fell short across the board. Nobody here takes it lightly. We know our fans are frustrated and they deserve a…
From there, he gave plenty of insight behind the decision surrounding Laviolette as well as what the future holds for the next Head Coach. Drury had nothing but positive things to say about Laviolette, referring to him as a “Hall of Fame coach someday” He went on to say he has “an incredible amount of respect” for both Laviolette and Housley and took accountability for how this season failed to live up to expectations.
Drury: “I have an incredible amount of respect for both of them (Laviolette and Housley)… We had high expectations. We simply fell short across the board… it starts with me.” #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 19, 2025
Drury was asked about the Artemi Panarin situation but simply reiterated that the “matter has been resolved”:
Chris Drury said he doesn't have a statement on the Artemi Panarin report from @KatieJStrang. He referred to the MSG statement: "The matter has been resolved.”https://t.co/V3WCFggT2q
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 19, 2025
Also addressed in the press conference was the number of instances where a player has spoken out about their ice time or more specifically, lack thereof. He stressed that Laviolette was big on communication but also likes to know where the players themselves felt they stood, relating that to his experience as a player.
#NYR president and GM Chris Drury's response to all the players who spoke out about ice time/scratches this season and if he feels communication needs to be improved:
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 19, 2025
"Again, we're going to look at every single aspect of this. Certainly, I'm always critical of myself and trying…
One of the more interesting things to come from the press conference regarding the coaching staff was that Drury is not opposed to considering a first time Head Coach in what will be his third coaching hire in his GM tenure.
Drury doesn’t rule out hiring a first-time coach. #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 19, 2025
Drury was also asked if he’s been given any type of assurances regarding his job status moving forward but opted not to get into specifics, emphasized a focus on next season which could certainly be a sign that he isn’t going anywhere.
I asked Chris Drury if James Dolan has given him assurance he will be back next year.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 19, 2025
"I'm not going to get into personal, private conversations I have with Mr. D." He said his focus is on next year.
Lastly, Drury was asked about whether or not he feels the organization has a culture issue. While he didn’t get into any specifics about it, he did stress that they will be looking at “everything” this offseason.
President and GM Chris Drury on if #NYR has a culture issue?
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 19, 2025
"We're going to be looking at everything. Whether it's the specific question you ask or other things that have come up along the way this year that we've already begun to look at and looked at during the year.…
This all sets the stage for what will surely be a fascinating locker clean-out day which is expected to come this Monday.
