There have been quite a few reports coming from different sources that General Manager Glen Sather is planning to buy out the final year of Chris Drury's 5 year, $32.25 million contract. The captain missed 58 games this season, and tallied just one goal, and four assists all year.
It is quite unfortunate for Drury's circumstance, because the only thing he's done wrong in the time of his captaincy was convince Glen Sather to overpay him after having a 30+ goal season when he was on the Buffalo Sabres. Drury had done what he needed to when it counted most, lets not forget the tying goal on his first shift in the last game of the season against the Devils. However, the Ranger have a new mindset. They are preparing for the free agency of Brad Richards, and allowing them more room to maneuver if Richards becomes too steep of a price. From a business standpoint, it's a very good decision for the Rangers to make.
This buyout will also relinquish the captaincy of the New York Ranger. Filling Drury's captaincy will not be an easy task, for he was such a good role model for the young talent on this Rangers team to have while he was there. The best option (as I've noted in an older article) would be Ryan Callahan. Many of the fans looked to Callahan as the captain of the Rangers this season because of Drury's prolonged absence. If the Rangers want to follow up their captain with another good captain, they'd be wise to pick Callahan.
As for Drury, his career won't end with the Rangers. Drury's clutch-ness and versatility, especially on the penalty-kill, could entice quite a few teams that need that final piece of the puzzle to make a complete team. Drury will go to another team, and he will go fast. Let us hope for their sake they get more than one goal and four assists though, because we all know Drury is better than that.
Au revoir, Chris!
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