LAS VEGAS — Chris Drury’s agenda in Sin City sets him apart from typical visitors. Unlike those drawn to casinos and nightlife, the New York Rangers general manager’s focus is purely business. This trip revolves around the 2024 NHL Draft, hosted Friday and Saturday at Sphere, coincidentally owned by his boss, James Dolan.
Amidst all 32 NHL teams’ decision makers convening in one city, Drury seizes the opportunity to strategize for both immediate and future goals. His objective is clear: propel the Rangers back into Stanley Cup contention for the upcoming season.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest Rangers developments and what Drury aims to achieve during his time in Las Vegas.
Chris Drury’s to-do list for Rangers in Las Vegas
Before NHL free agency starts on Monday, Chris Drury needs to concentrate on these four things while he is in Vegas this week.
1. The 2024 NHL Draft
Chris Drury’s presence in scorching Las Vegas revolves around the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft, where the New York Rangers hold significant stakes. With four selections in total, including the 30th overall pick in the first round, Drury faces a critical task.
The absence of picks in the second and third rounds intensifies the pressure to secure a standout prospect early on. Speculation suggests Drury might consolidate assets, potentially combining Kaapo Kakko with the 30th pick to move up in the draft and enhance their selection. Failing to trade up means the Rangers must excel with their current first-round pick, as their next opportunity to choose arrives near the end of the fourth round.
Drury opted to retain New York’s first-round pick during the trade deadline, a decision that saw the Rangers exit the Stanley Cup Playoffs without significant gains from mid-season acquisitions Jack Roslovic and Alex Wennberg. Consequently, the spotlight is firmly on Drury and the Rangers organization to make astute decisions in this pivotal draft.
2. Speaking of Kaapo Kakko …
Since we brought up Kaapo Kakko, it’s important to note that now is the ideal moment for Drury to deal the 23-year-old forward before teams use free agency to bolster their lineups. Though it’s definitely better now, that doesn’t mean the Rangers couldn’t move Kakko at any point this summer.
Should the Rangers decide to let go of Kakko, would it be through a traditional hockey trade or, as previously indicated, by moving up in the first round of the draft?
Naturally, Drury might be happy to give the former No. 2 overall choice another chance on Broadway, especially given that Kakko will be paid $2.4 million the next season, and may not even want to move the player. Drury is not a fool; if he traded Kakko right now, he would be selling low.
3. Explore trading Jacob Trouba
You can bet that Drury has been debating whether to buy out the last two seasons of captain Jacob Trouba’s contract or trade him. Due to Trouba’s no-move clause in his contract, Drury has been unable to negotiate a potential deal with another team, so the trade option has largely been a mental exercise up to this point. However, as of July 1, that is technically different. After then, Trouba’s contract becomes non-transferable with a 15-team cap.
The Rangers have already requested that list of teams, according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, but Trouba can wait until Monday to provide it. However, it seems like Drury needs the list immediately in order to assess what is—or isn’t—possible in terms of dealing Trouba and the two years left on his $8 million-a-year contract.
Drury can pursue a trade and turn a potential situation into a real one faster if he can obtain that list ahead of time.
4. Determine what it will cost to re-sign Ryan Lindgren
Chris Drury faces an important decision regarding defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Lindgren, as Adam Fox’s partner, is a key player the Rangers likely want to retain. However, the cost of re-signing him is a critical factor. If Lindgren is seeking a significant raise from his previous $3 million average annual value or is aiming for a long-term contract as he approaches unrestricted free agency in 2025, Drury must weigh his options carefully.
Reports suggest that negotiations between Lindgren and the Rangers are progressing well, with both parties not far apart on financial terms. This scenario is ideal for Drury, who seeks cost certainty before the free-agency period begins on July 1. Understanding Lindgren’s contract demands will allow Drury to assess the team’s financial flexibility and plan accordingly for other potential signings.
Securing Lindgren’s future with the team, or at the very least having clarity on the financial commitment involved, is crucial for Drury as he navigates the upcoming free-agency period. This knowledge will enable him to make informed decisions and manage the Rangers’ roster effectively moving forward.