History of Chris Drury in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2025

Christopher Ellis Drury is an American ice hockey executive and former player. He is currently the president and general manager of the New York Rangers, a position he has held since May 2021. Before his role with the Rangers, Drury was the general manager of their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Drury's career transitioned from a successful playing career to a leadership role within the Rangers organization.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1935: Establishment of Colony Grill

In 1935, Colony Grill was established as a pizza tavern. Chris Drury and partners later purchased it in the late 2000s.

August 20, 1976: Christopher Ellis Drury's Birth

On August 20, 1976, Christopher Ellis Drury was born. He is an American professional ice hockey executive and former player.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Miracle on Ice

In 2002, the Americans surprised many by making it all the way to the final where they lost to Canada. This was the best finish for the United States at the tournament since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice".

1989: Ted Drury NHL career began

In 1989, Ted Drury, Chris Drury's older brother, began his professional hockey career in the NHL.

1989: Little League World Series Championship

In 1989, playing for his hometown team from Trumbull, Chris Drury pitched a complete game to win the Little League World Series championship game against Chinese Taipei. He also met President George H. W. Bush and appeared on Good Morning America in New York City.

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1990: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1990, Chris Drury played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Rye, New York.

1994: Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques

In 1994, after graduating from Fairfield College Preparatory School, Chris Drury was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 72nd overall in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft.

1995: Won a National Championship with Boston University

In his freshman year, in 1995, Chris Drury won a national championship with Boston University.

1997: Brian Leetch Captaincy

Brian Leetch was the Rangers' captain from 1997 to 2000, before Chris Drury was named captain on October 3, 2008.

1997: Named Hockey East's Player of the Year

In 1997, Chris Drury was named Hockey East's player of the year.

1998: Began NHL career

In 1998, Chris Drury began his NHL career and was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie.

1998: Named Hockey East's Player of the Year and Best Defensive Forward

In 1998, Chris Drury was named Hockey East's player of the year and also named best defensive forward.

2000: Brian Leetch Captaincy

Brian Leetch was the Rangers' captain from 1997 to 2000, before Chris Drury was named captain on October 3, 2008.

2000: 65-point Season

In the 2000-01 season, Chris Drury recorded 65 points. He also won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche.

2001: Ted Drury NHL career ended

In 2001, Ted Drury, Chris Drury's older brother, ended his professional hockey career in the NHL.

2001: 46 point season

In 2001–02, Chris Drury's production dipped to 46 points.

October 1, 2002: Traded to the Calgary Flames

On October 1, 2002, Chris Drury and Stéphane Yelle were traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond and Jeff Shantz.

2002: 2002 Winter Olympics

In 2002, Chris Drury was named to the U.S. roster for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where the Americans won silver.

July 3, 2003: Traded to the Buffalo Sabres

On July 3, 2003, Chris Drury, along with Steve Bégin, was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Steven Reinprecht and Rhett Warrener.

2005: Co-captain for the Buffalo Sabres

In 2005, Chris Drury became co-captain for the Buffalo Sabres with Daniel Brière.

2006: 2006 Winter Olympics

In 2006, Chris Drury represented the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where the Americans finished eighth overall.

2006: Career-high Campaign

In the 2006-07 season, Chris Drury had a career-high 37-goal, 69-point campaign.

July 1, 2007: Signed with the New York Rangers

On July 1, 2007, Chris Drury signed a five-year, $35.25 million contract with the New York Rangers.

2007: Departure from the Buffalo Sabres

In 2007, Chris Drury departed from the Buffalo Sabres via free agency.

February 1, 2008: 500th Career Point

On February 1, 2008, Chris Drury scored an empty net goal on the power play for his 500th career point in a game against the New Jersey Devils.

October 1, 2008: Won the Victoria Cup

On October 1, 2008, Chris Drury and the Rangers won the Victoria Cup, defeating Metallurg Magnitogorsk by a score of 4–3.

October 3, 2008: Named Captain of the New York Rangers

On October 3, 2008, Chris Drury was named the 25th captain in Rangers history.

January 15, 2009: Named Hockey East's Best Defensive Forward

On January 15, 2009, Chris Drury was named Hockey East's Best Defensive Forward, as part of the league's 25th Anniversary celebration.

February 21, 2010: Goal Against Canada in 2010 Winter Olympics

On February 21, 2010, Chris Drury scored the go-ahead goal to break a 2–2 tie in a critical round-robin game against Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Americans won 5–3.

February 2011: Knee Surgery

In February 2011, Chris Drury underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, missing 6 weeks.

June 2011: Rumors of a Contract Buyout

In June 2011, rumors began circulating that the Rangers were looking to negotiate a contract buyout with Chris Drury, though these rumors were later silenced.

June 29, 2011: Contract Buyout Accepted

On June 29, 2011, Chris Drury accepted a buy-out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent.

July 1, 2011: Unrestricted Free Agent

On July 1, 2011, Chris Drury became an unrestricted free agent.

August 19, 2011: Retirement as a Player

On August 19, 2011, Chris Drury retired as a player.

2012: Drury's contract against 2012-13 Salary Cap

On June 29, 2011, Drury accepted a buy-out of the final year of his contract. Drury would count approximately $1.667 million against the 2012–13 salary cap.

September 2015: Named Director of Player Development

In September 2015, Chris Drury was named the Rangers' director of player development.

2015: Inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2015, Chris Drury was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

September 2016: Promoted to Assistant General Manager

In September 2016, Chris Drury was promoted by the Rangers to assistant general manager. He was also assigned to be the general manager of their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.