It’s tough to be a Blue Shirts fan right about now.
A New York Rangers letter from General Manager Chris Drury went live on Friday, January 16th, addressing the team’s severe slump and plan for handling key players’ absences (both goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox are injured). And let’s just say diehard fans are not pleased.
Considering the team has the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and a minus-21 goal differential, per ESPN, it’s clear the issue needs attention.
A look at Chris Drury’s New York Rangers letter
A one-page letter surfaced revealing that the Rangers will not experience a “rebuild” of the team, but a “retool.”
“A shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team,” Drury wrote. He added, “We will target players that bring tenacity, skill, speed, and a winning pedigree, with a focus on obtaining young players, draft picks, and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward.”
In the midst of the letter surfacing, fans also learned about one of the star players’ fate. According to multiple sources, including The New York Post, Artemi Panarin will not be offered a contract extension on his seven-year, $81.5 million deal.
Rumors are swirling about the fate of centers Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and JT Miller, though at the time of publication, nothing has been confirmed.
Will these changes be enough to bring a W back to MSG and get the team on the right track?
“We are working relentlessly every day to bring a Stanley Cup back to New York because that is what our fans deserve,” Drury said. Here’s hoping.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for updates.