Chris Drury: A Sad Commentary

Larry Brooks wrote today that the Rangers can't buy out Chris Drury. Because of Drury's knee injury, Glen Sather can't hand him a golden parachute and send him out of town. Instead, should things play out as Brooks expects, Dru will be placed on Long Term Injured Reserve because the knee "will render him medically unable to play next season." So no matter what happens in the next few days/weeks/months - whether Dru is bought out, placed on LTIR or pulls a Naslund and retires - one thing is all but certain: Chris Drury will not play for the Rangers again.

Please, wait a moment before hosting a celebratory pizza party.

Sure, Drury's tenure as a Ranger was not a good one. But the proud man, a winner throughout his career prior to his time in New York, is headed off Broadway as a loser. While being handsomely compensated, the guy lost his job and it was not for a lack of effort on his part. That is the one thing - when all is said and done - that can be said about Drury as a Ranger: he never gave it less than everything he had. And for that we should pause before delighting in his dismissal.

No, seriously, put that slice of pizza down.

It is not his fault that Glen Sather handed him that ridiculous contract, five years at $7.05 million per. It is not his fault that the bar was set in accordance to that contract and not his abilities. Throughout his NHL career he succeeded when he wasn't relied upon to be 'the man' and that role was thrust upon him. Granted, it was shared by the grinning Gomez, but the MexiCan't clearly didn't care. It weighed heavily upon Drury and he did care, except when it was Christmas time.

Ah, the infamous Christmas quote. On December 23rd, 2008 Drury assisted on three of four Ranger goals as they leaped out to a 4-0 lead against the Capitals before blowing it and losing in overtime 5-4. After the game Dru told the media, "“I’m certainly not going to let it ruin my Christmas and I don’t think anyone here is going to let it ruin their break, either."

Now only the insane would ever truly believe that the players, in this day and age, live and die with the results the way fans do. We may want it to be that way - we even may often delude ourselves that it is indeed so - but, deep inside, we know that that just isn't how it goes. These guys are professional athletes doing a job - if you have a bad day at work, are you going to let it ruin your holiday? But the problem is that Drury said it out loud. And, in doing so, he burst our bubble of delusion. And that is unacceptable.

Before Drury was given a sweater with a C stitched on the breast, I wrote that "the C brings with it a legacy and it should not be tarnished just because fans or pundits feel that somebody has to have it." Since that time, especially post-Xmas comment, I called Drury the worst captain in Ranger history. It is a harsh statement but one I stand by. Now that is based on the observations of an outsider; reports say Drury was respected and loved inside the locker room and that is all fine and good. Hell, that is wonderful. But that doesn't change that for us fans in the stands his ability was never apparent. Drury never picked the team up on his shoulders on the ice, never gave impassioned speeches on the bench and was a monotone, benign cliche machine in interviews.

The Rangers had many great captains over the years from Bill Cook to Red Sullivan to Dave Maloney, but the station will forever be defined by Mark Messier. The Captain set a standard that will be, frankly, unmatchable. It will take something and someone extraordinary to simply get out of the shadow cast by him. The sheer skill of Jaromir Jagr couldn't do it and the quiet determination of Chris Drury couldn't do it. We can't blame Drury for that because like his contract, that shadow was not of his doing.

What can we blame him for? For not having Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg around to distract defenses? For not being Mark Messier and willing this team to victories? For not being the exceptional fourth liner that he was in the Olympics? No. We can't blame him for any of that. Say what you want but his character and his effort were completely unassailable.

And because of that the pizza should be put away. Seeing someone with the class and dignity of Chris Drury exit the organization is not cause for celebration. The Drury era was brought about by Glen Sather and now Glen Sather has ended it. Best wishes to Drury and a warning to the GM, for he can't possibly put us through that again.

It might ruin our Christmases.

 Chris Drury: A Sad Commentary

Chris Drury, once celebrated as a hockey hero, has seen his career take a melancholic turn in recent years. A player known for his leadership, clutch performances, and commitment to the game, Drury's story has evolved into a cautionary tale of the harsh realities that can befall even the most promising careers. In this article, we will delve into the rise and fall of Chris Drury, examining the factors that led to his decline and reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from his journey.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Rise and Fall of Chris Drury

Setting the stage for an exploration of Chris Drury's career and the challenges he faced.

The Early Years: A Promising Start

Drury's emergence as a hockey prodigy and his path to the NHL.

NHL Glory: Clutch Performances and Leadership

Drury's successful stints with the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres, including his reputation as a clutch performer and captain.

The Rangers Years: High Expectations and Injuries

Drury's tenure with the New York Rangers, marked by high expectations and injuries that began to take their toll.

Declining Performance: The Beginning of the End

An examination of the declining statistics and struggles that plagued Drury's later years in the NHL.

A Fractured Ankle and a Career in Limbo

The pivotal moment when Drury suffered a devastating ankle injury that would impact the remainder of his career.

The Buyout and Retirement: A Bittersweet Farewell

The New York Rangers' decision to buy out Drury's contract and his eventual retirement from the NHL.

Life After Hockey: The Challenges of Transition

The difficulties that athletes like Drury face when transitioning from a life centered around hockey to retirement.

: Lessons from Chris Drury's Journey

Reflecting on the lessons that can be gleaned from Chris Drury's career and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

1. Introduction: The Rise and Fall of Chris Drury

Setting the stage for an exploration of Chris Drury's career and the challenges he faced.

Chris Drury's career, once filled with promise and accolades, took a sorrowful turn in the latter years.

2. The Early Years: A Promising Start

Highlighting Drury's remarkable talent from an early age and his rapid ascent to the NHL.

Drury's early years were characterized by exceptional skill and an undeniable passion for the game.

3. NHL Glory: Clutch Performances and Leadership

Examining Drury's time with the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres, marked by clutch performances and his emergence as a team leader.

Drury's contributions to his teams went beyond the stat sheet; he was a leader and a player who thrived in high-pressure situations.

4. The Rangers Years: High Expectations and Injuries

Discussing Drury's tenure with the New York Rangers, the high expectations that accompanied his arrival, and the injuries that began to plague him.

Drury's time with the Rangers was marked by high hopes, but injuries started to chip away at his effectiveness.

5. Declining Performance: The Beginning of the End

Analyzing the statistics and challenges that signaled Drury's declining performance in the later stages of his career.

As Drury's career progressed, his offensive output declined, and he faced increasing obstacles on the ice.

6. A Fractured Ankle and a Career in Limbo

Detailing the pivotal moment when Drury suffered a devastating ankle injury and the impact it had on his playing career.

A fractured ankle became a turning point that significantly altered the trajectory of Drury's career.

7. The Buyout and Retirement: A Bittersweet Farewell

Exploring the New York Rangers' decision to buy out Drury's contract and his eventual retirement from professional hockey.

The Rangers' buyout marked the end of Drury's playing career, leading to his retirement from the NHL.

8. Life After Hockey: The Challenges of Transition

Examining the challenges that athletes like Chris Drury face when transitioning from a life centered around hockey to retirement.

Life after hockey can be a daunting prospect, and Drury's post-retirement journey was not without its difficulties.

9. Conclusion: Lessons from Chris Drury's Journey

Reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from Chris Drury's career and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Chris Drury's story serves as a reminder that even the most promising careers can take unexpected turns, emphasizing the significance of resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

Chris Drury's journey from a promising young talent to a veteran plagued by injuries and a premature retirement serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Despite the challenges he faced, Drury's legacy endures as a symbol of leadership, determination, and the enduring love of the game. His story reminds us that success in the world of sports is not solely defined by championships and statistics but also by the character and perseverance of the athletes themselves.