The Letter 2.0: Rangers Preparing for Change as Drury Signals Selling Ahead of Trade Deadline

If there was any doubt in which direction the New York Rangers were headed after winning just two of their last 11 games, we can now be certain they are officially heading towards a sell-off and a retool.

In a statement released by team president and general manager Chris Drury, he informed the fan base of the current state of the team and the plan moving forward:

In the unofficial sequel to The Letter, Drury expresses that there is frustration and dissatisfaction up and down the organization. He recognizes the successes the team has had in recent years but stresses they did not achieve the ultimate goal. Furthermore, Drury goes into detail about the role injuries played this season and how the current standing of the team is not going to keep them in playoff contention.

The most important point of this message is Drury indicating that it will not be a full rebuild, but a retool built around their core players and prospects. Who exactly is considered the team's core players and prospects isn't as clear.

Additionally, Drury mentions the priority for the team is to bring in players that bring "tenacity, skill, speed, and a winning pedigree," specifically focusing on young players, draft picks, and cap flexibility.

Stop me if you've heard this before, but Drury also warns that in taking this approach, the team may need to move on from players that "have brought us and our fans great moments over the years." He finishes the letter by letting the fans know we could see some of the plans come to fruition within the coming weeks and months.

This direction is undoubtedly the right call by Drury and management. It's never been more clear that they need to make changes. Now that we know the team will certainly be sellers heading into the trade deadline, the question remains just how much selling will they do.

According to SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman, it sounds like Drury met with the team as well as members of the leadership group to inform them of this new direction for the team. It's also interesting to note that he says members of the leadership group, not just the leadership group.

The Rangers have nine games left before the start of their Olympic break and will play just four games in late-February, early-March before the 2026 trade deadline.