New York Rangers GM Chris Drury has a message for fans

It was just over 21 years ago that current New York Rangers GM Chris Drury was lifting the Stanley Cup as a member of the powerful Colorado Avalanche squad of 2001 that was best known for helping Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque win his first and only title. Of course, a year later Drury and the Avalanche would find themselves just one game short of a return to the Stanley Cup Final in a disappointing series loss to the rival Detroit Red Wings.

Now in his role as the 12th general manager in franchise history, Drury certainly knows what it takes to get to the mountain top. His Rangers came within two wins of their first trip to the Final since 2014 and second since 1994, but it wasn't meant to be. The two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning were able to overcome a series deficit of 0-2 and send the Rangers into an earlier-than-anticipated offseason. 

And while it's disappointing, Drury is proud of what his team was about to accomplish. 

"I couldn't be prouder of what our players and coaches accomplished this season," he said. "We have a special group in that room with high character, competitive players. It was evident to me and anyone who knew or watched our team how much these guys cared about each other on and off the ice. Obviously, we're disappointed we're not playing right now in the finals. We want to build on this experience as an organization and find ways to still be playing hockey."

And before the team departed for the summer, Drury was sure to give a shoutout to the Rangers fans of the Big Apple.

"We're fortunate to have the greatest fans in the world and we can't thank them enough for their support," he said. "We'll do everything we can to improve and deliver them a contender year in and year out."