Likable Chris Drury named Assistant GM, continues chase of childhood dream

Anthony Scultore Sep 2, 2016

When the Rangers landed coveted college free agent, Jimmy Vesey, one name he mentioned as instrumental to getting him here was Chris Drury. Today, the team rewarded Drury with a promotion to Assistant GM.

Gorton said having Chris Drury as part of this process to woo Vesey was “very significant.”

— Joe McDonald (@ESPNJoeyMac) August 20, 2016

New role only adds to previous responsibility

The former Ranger (2007-11), joined the organization a year ago as the Director of Player Development. At the time, it was one of Jeff Gorton’s earliest moves. There’s an obvious attraction to someone like Chris when you look at his pedigree as an NHL player,” Gorton said at the announcement. “We think he can add so much to our staff and organization.”

Along with Adam Graves, his role was to act like a mentor to many of the younger prospects. What Gorton soon realized is just how effective he was at player recruitment. His ability to sell young players on the Rangers culminated in landing the biggest college free agent available.

Jimmy Vesey specifically mentioned Chris Drury as a big reason why he chose the Rangers. Now, he will join fellow assistant GM, Jim Schoenfeld and will continue to mentor players, as well as assist in contract negotiations and transactions.

#NYR Jimmy Vesey: “Chris Drury was someone I was definitely impressed with during the meeting.”

— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) August 20, 2016

Chasing a childhood dream

Sadly, Drury’s Ranger career was marred by injury and poor team performance. His dream since being a child has been to win a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers. That dream continues today, but from an executive level.

“I’ve wanted to win a Cup as a #NYR since I knew what a NYR was. That was my goal as a kid & it’s certainly still my goal now” -Chris Drury

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 2, 2016

The 40 year old Blueshirt at heart may have already played a huge role in that dream by landing Vesey. Knowing that he is nearby for the kid to speak to when the going gets tough could prove big dividends this season. Bottom line is that a very good guy who loves the Rangers’ blue is going to be dedicated in trying to win the big prize.

[su_quote cite=”Drury via Blueshirts United” url=”https://www.blueshirtsunited.com/article/childhood-goal-remains-same-drury-new-role”]”There’s no question this is where I wanted to be, who I wanted to work for,” Drury said. “I never left the area. I grew up in Connecticut, still live in the area in Westchester. It’s home to me.

“The Rangers meant the world to me for a long time,” Drury continued. “To be part of Jeff’s team and Glen’s team — we’re all pulling in the same direction to win a Cup as Rangers. [It] is our ultimate goal.”[/su_quote]

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCCVmwl0yYI”]