Chris Drury would probably put dealing with reporters right next to trading away a franchise star on his list of least favorite tasks. The New York Rangers general manager had to do both.
Drury began the day by sending Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, receiving forward prospect Liam Greentree along with conditional mid-round draft picks, a third-rounder in 2026 and a fourth-round selection in 2028. Just hours later, he faced the media to explain the move and outline the broader direction of the organization.
The message throughout his press conference was clear: the Rangers have a plan, and it is already in motion.
Drury made it clear the goal is not to scrape into the playoffs but to return to true Stanley Cup contention. He said the organization felt it was better to begin this shift sooner rather than later, emphasizing that every decision moving forward will be judged by whether it helps the Rangers compete for a championship again.
He also took responsibility for the team’s sharp decline this season, which will mark a second straight year without a playoff appearance. Acknowledging the frustration of fans, Drury reiterated sentiments he shared in a recent letter, stating that the team was widely expected to contend but failed to meet expectations. He expressed confidence in head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff, noting that it is management’s responsibility to understand why the team fell short and how to correct it.
When it came to the Panarin trade itself, Drury admitted the Rangers were operating with limited leverage. Panarin’s no-movement clause, combined with his desire to have an extension finalized with any team he joined, narrowed New York’s options significantly. With an Olympic break roster freeze looming, waiting until the March 6 trade deadline would not have improved the return.
According to Drury, Panarin ultimately made it clear that Los Angeles was the only destination he was willing to commit to long term. While the circumstances were restrictive, Drury said the Rangers were pleased to come away with Greentree and future draft assets.
Despite the lack of flexibility, Drury spoke glowingly about Panarin after the deal. He called him one of the greatest free-agent signings in franchise history and said the organization wanted to give him a chance to chase a championship while the Rangers reset. Moving a player of that caliber, he added, was difficult but necessary to secure pieces for the future.
That future now includes Liam Greentree, a 20-year-old former first-round pick who brings size, scoring touch and leadership. Greentree tallied 49 goals in the OHL last season, captains the Windsor Spitfires and appears close to being NHL-ready. At 6-foot-2 and over 200 pounds, he fits the type of player the Rangers want to add more of, even if projections suggest he may top out as a strong top-nine forward rather than a franchise centerpiece.
Drury said the organization valued Greentree more than a distant first-round pick, citing his age and readiness to turn professional. Given the thin state of the Rangers’ prospect pool, Greentree immediately becomes one of the most important young assets in the system and aligns with a faster turnaround plan.
Drury repeatedly stressed that this is a retool, not a full rebuild. The focus is on accelerating the process wherever possible rather than committing to a long-term teardown. He avoided putting a firm timeline on the turnaround but said the front office has identified players they want to build around and move forward with.
As for what comes next, Drury declined to name potential trade candidates, though veteran players could draw interest ahead of the deadline. There have also been rumors involving younger names like Braden Schneider and Alexis Lafreniere. Still, Drury struck an optimistic tone about the roster, saying he believes there are plenty of quality players in the room despite the disappointing results.
Asked directly about Schneider and Lafreniere, Drury offered support, saying he believes in both players and their long-term potential. He noted that while they feel like veterans already, they are still young and continuing to develop. According to Drury, the coaching staff and management remain committed to helping them grow and reach the impact level the organization believes they are capable of achieving.
The message from the Rangers’ front office was unmistakable: difficult decisions are being made now with the expectation that they will lead to something much bigger down the road.