The New York Rangers continue to slog through another difficult campaign. They remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, though league-wide parity has kept the Blueshirts hovering within sight of the playoff picture.
Still, for those expecting sweeping organizational changes in New York, that reality may be far off.
In a rare public appearance, Rangers owner James Dolan offered a strong endorsement of a key figure in the front office. Speaking with Craig Carton on WFAN, Dolan made it clear that general manager Chris Drury retains his full backing.
The Athletic relayed Dolan’s message of confidence in Drury, quoting him as saying:
“You have to be patient.”
Dolan continued, “Chris Drury is a winner and a competitor. He can’t stand to lose.”
Those remarks highlight just how firmly Dolan believes in his general manager. He also stood by Drury’s controversial move to dismiss former head coach Peter Laviolette last season, explaining:
“I think the team from last year didn’t really believe in themselves, and that made it hard.”
The implication was clear. Laviolette appeared to have lost the locker room, a dynamic that contributed to the team unraveling late in the season.
Drury’s decision to hire two-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Sullivan was meant to spark a turnaround. So far, that hoped-for revival has not materialized. Even so, Dolan urged patience, noting:
“The culture doesn’t turn around overnight.”
The comments reflect an understanding of the long view, though questions remain about how much time Drury and the current roster will ultimately be given.
Rangers Owner Preaching Patience
Dolan’s measured tone reinforces the idea that patience will define the Rangers’ path forward. This is not an organization preparing to tear everything down. Instead, there remains confidence that the current core can still mount a legitimate playoff push.
That stance should resonate throughout the organization. Few things can be more destabilizing than ownership pressure looming over every decision, and Dolan appears intent on avoiding that scenario.
There have also been flashes of encouragement this season. The Rangers’ dominant Winter Classic win over a listless Florida Panthers squad snapped a three-game losing streak and offered a glimpse of what the team is capable of when things click.
Dolan Issues Warning to NHL
Before wrapping up, Dolan delivered a pointed message to the rest of the league:
“Don’t give up on my team this year.”
That statement serves as notice. The Rangers are still trying to win, and frustration with the current results has not translated into surrender. Players like Adam Fox, potentially fueled by the disappointment of an Olympic snub, may be especially motivated to help spark a turnaround.
The Blueshirts are not waving the white flag. Even if Drury opts against a blockbuster deadline deal, maintaining the core sends a message of belief. Upgrades will still be explored, but rather than chasing a home run move like the Quinn Hughes pursuit, the focus may be on laying the groundwork for sustained success under Mike Sullivan.