It hasn't been confirmed yet, however, its a very, very good bet that the Rangers will be clearing out fat cap space for Brad Richards. Recently, Rags bench boss, John Tortarella told the NY Daily News:
"Intangibles always come into evaluating," the coach said. "You just can't let the intangibles override other things, too. Dru and I have a great relationship. We've been very honest with one another. Dru is getting older. That's why he has this chronic knee... It's certainly not mine, my total decision, but I have my thoughts. These are all conversations we have to have."
Here's the sub text to Tortarella's comments: " Brad Richards is my favourite human being in the world, no offense to Drury. I love Brad. I like Chris".
Suffice to say, the Rangers will be buying out their capo, Chris Drury when the NHL Buyout window opens on June 15. They will do it swiftly so that Drury can catch a roster spot with an NHL squad for the upcoming season.
I've spoken with a couple of NHL scouts in the past couple of days who agree with me that they feel like Drury can add value to an NHL team. I'm hearing that Toronto, Los Angeles, and Anaheim will be interested in Drury's services.
Many of you Pegulaville residents hate the idea of the Sabres signing a value-priced, 35 year old Drury. You think he's on the back nine of his stellar career and you feel strongly that he is a shot player who has zero juice left in then tank. I don't happen to agree with you. I love the idea of signing Drury for his impeccable leadership both on and off the ice. His faceoff success rate and his PK prowess will make him a commodity on the free agent market. Will he score 80-90 points? Nope. Doesn't matter. The Sabres should sign Drury to be a utility man and a 2nd or 3rd line pivot. They won't need a butt load of points from Captain Clutch. The Sabres have one of the best, if not the best training staffs in the NHL who will keep Drury's knee in tip top shape.
Puck possession is the name of today's NHL. If you don't have the biscuit, you'll be chasing it to get it back. No puck, no offense. Look at Boston, Tampa, Detroit, Philly, and Vancouver. They play a strong puck possession game and they have pivots who win faceoffs. No tickie, no laundry. Drury wins faceoffs.
If the Sabres take a pass on signing Drury, it won't matter as he will be attracting attention from the Leafs, Kings, and Ducks.
Brian Burke is a huge Drury fan, and knows the Trumbull, CT gamer from the Team USA Olympic team. The Leafs won't get Brad Richards, however, Burke will be intent on strengthening his team up the middle. Drury will provide a stabilizing force on the dot and on special teams.
Drury spends his offseasons in Manhattan Beach in Southern California. The sunshine and surf help him to regenerate and to rest and recoup from the NHL grind. The LA Kings have a whack of cap space and are looking to add veteran leadership. The Kings have several USA boys-- Jonathon Quick, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, to name a few--- who have played with drury in international play and would welcome his leadership and professionalism to their squad.
The Anaheim Ducks are will be looking add a veteran centreman to help them to play more with the puck. Drury won't hurt the Ducks.
The Blue and Gold can benefit from adding Drury.
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