​The Rangers have been extremely active this offseason, making a string of moves in free agency and the trade market as they aim to turn things around next year. Chris Drury probably isn’t done yet, but here’s how he’s fared so far with the club.
Drury identified a much-needed, reliable goal-scorer on draft day in a surprising move, bringing in Dorofeyev from the Knights in exchange for three picks. He wasted no time locking him up with a substantial seven-year contract extension. At just 25, Dorofeyev continues to progress, having surpassed 35 goals in each of the last two seasons and adding a dozen points to his career-best total last year with the high-powered Golden Knights. Getting Dorofeyev without parting with the No. 5 pick was a major win for the Rangers. GRADE: A
Another pivot for Drury came with an unexpected decision to trade a fourth-round pick for a veteran backup, despite having youngster Dylan Garand on the roster. Garand and Korpisalo will now compete for the backup role behind Igor Shesterkin. Korpisalo has posted a save percentage under .900 in each of the past three seasons in Boston and carries a $4 million cap hit for the next two years, with the team retaining control of him. Even if a more experienced backup was preferred, cheaper options were available. GRADE: D
Drury also chose to keep Vincent Trocheck at last season’s deadline, hoping for a stronger return in the summer, and he delivered that by moving Trocheck in a deal with Utah. Letting go of a veteran piece is tough, but Durzi is expected to slide into the Rangers’ second pairing as part of a revamped defensive corps, and Beaudoin provides a legitimate top-tier center prospect coming off an 88-point season in the OHL. GRADE: B+
A bold move involved trading a first-round pick for a 30-year-old blueliner. Pettersson is a puck-moving defenseman who posted 18 points over 82 games with Vancouver, and he brings solid defensive play and penalty-kill help. He’s familiar with Mike Sullivan’s system from their time together in Pittsburgh and is under club control for four more seasons at a $5.5 million cap hit. GRADE: B
Borgen’s role on the Rangers’ second pairing was displaced by the arrival of Pettersson and Durzi, and Drury was able to flip him for a pair of early-round picks. Despite some ups and downs during his time in New York, Borgen’s exit is a notable win in terms of immediate value, given he was set to earn $4.1 million annually for the next four years. GRADE: B+
Bjorkstrand arrives after a down season, recording just 32 points in 80 games, but the Rangers are hopeful a change of scenery can help him regain his previous form. This move is viewed as another low-risk, potentially high-reward addition as the team reshapes its forward depth. GRADE: B
Taken together, the current slate of moves shows a clear strategy: add high-end talent with upside, acquire veteran depth where needed, and optimize the flexibility and chemistry of the lineup. Dorofeyev stands out as the marquee acquisition, with a long-term commitment that signals confidence in his ceiling. The back-up situation behind Shesterkin remains a work in progress, and the Gor Donny be noted that the club’s cap structure and long-term commitments will influence how these pieces fit together. As the season unfolds, Drury’s grades may shift, but the current trajectory suggests the Rangers are aiming to build a sharper, more competitive team capable of contending for a deep playoff run.