Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the article:
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**Rangers Owner Sends Clear Message by Extending Chris Drury’s Contract, Says ESPN Insider**
Some view the New York Rangers’ decision to extend general manager Chris Drury’s contract as a poorly timed move following a deeply disappointing season. However, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski believes it was a calculated message from team owner James Dolan — a clear sign that Drury is firmly in charge and has Dolan’s full support.
Following recent public criticism from players like Mika Zibanejad, Dolan’s bold backing of Drury sent a strong message to the locker room. “It’s a shot across the bow,” Wyshynski said on the *RINK RAP* podcast, implying that the organization is drawing a line and that any dissenters could be on their way out.
Typically, front office contract extensions under Dolan fly under the radar — but not this time. The team publicly announced Drury’s extension, which many interpret as a response to players who blamed him for poor communication and handling of veteran departures, including Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba.
Wyshynski noted that this public vote of confidence followed harsh player critiques that pointed to leadership missteps and internal dysfunction. He sees the timing as significant — especially considering the Rangers’ dramatic fall from a Presidents’ Trophy contender to missing the playoffs entirely, dropping 29 points from the previous season.
While Drury did take responsibility after firing head coach Peter Laviolette, his controversial roster moves — including waiving Goodrow despite his no-trade clause and attempting to force Trouba out — damaged relationships within the team.
According to Wyshynski, the handling of Trouba, in particular, upset the locker room. Drury’s push to move the captain last offseason, and the eventual waiver threat before trading him to Anaheim, left players feeling the process lacked respect and transparency.
“There’s a difference between changing the roster and how you do it,” Wyshynski emphasized, pointing to the internal fallout from Drury’s aggressive approach.