In Stunning Move, Boston Bruins Hire Chris Drury as Head Coach, Luring Executive Away from New York Rangers Front Office

In Stunning Move, Boston Bruins Hire Chris Drury as Head Coach, Luring Executive Away from New York Rangers Front office 

In one of the most surprising moves of the NHL offseason, the Boston Bruins have announced that Chris Drury, the current General Manager and President of Hockey Operations for the New York Rangers, has been hired as the team’s new head coach. The announcement came Monday morning at a press conference held at TD Garden, leaving fans and analysts stunned across the hockey world.

Drury, 48, will be stepping behind the bench for the first time in his NHL career as a head coach, making the transition from a front-office executive to a bench boss—a rare and bold decision in professional hockey. The Bruins’ front office described the move as “visionary,” citing Drury’s leadership qualities, hockey IQ, and championship pedigree as the key factors behind the decision.

“This is a new chapter for the Boston Bruins,” Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney said during the press conference. “Chris Drury is a proven leader, someone who understands how to win in today’s NHL. His experience as a player, his success as an executive, and his relentless commitment to excellence made him our clear choice. We’re excited to welcome him behind the bench.”

From New York to Boston: A Stunning Transition

The move ends Drury’s tenure with the Rangers, where he had served as general manager since 2021. Under his leadership, New York emerged as a consistent playoff team, making several deep postseason runs, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024. His ability to build a competitive roster through savvy trades, free-agent signings, and internal development was widely praised.

What made the Bruins’ announcement even more shocking was the absence of any prior indication that Drury was interested in coaching. He had been under contract with the Rangers through 2026, and there were no rumors suggesting he was seeking a career shift. Sources close to the situation say Drury had been contemplating a return to a more hands-on role with the game, expressing a growing desire to influence outcomes more directly than he could from the front office.

“Coaching has always been something I’ve had a passion for,” Drury said at his introductory press conference. “I loved my time in management, but I’ve felt a pull back to the bench—back to being in the fight with the players every day. Boston presented a unique opportunity with a strong culture, a hungry group, and a desire to win. It was the right fit at the right time.”

Bruins Part Ways with Montgomery After Playoff Exit

The hiring of Drury marks the end of Jim Montgomery’s tenure as Bruins head coach. Despite leading the Bruins to a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season in 2022–23 and maintaining playoff-caliber results since, Montgomery failed to push the team past the second round of the playoffs. The Bruins’ front office expressed gratitude for his leadership but ultimately felt a change was necessary to reach the next level.

“We thank Jim for his contributions,” said Bruins President Cam Neely. “But we believe that a new voice, a new energy, and a new vision are required to take this team where it needs to go. Chris brings all of that and more.”

A New Identity for a Storied Franchise

Drury brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to his new role. As a player, he won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, an NCAA national championship with Boston University in 1995, and a Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 1999. He also captained both the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers during his 12-year NHL career and represented Team USA at multiple international tournaments.

His resume has drawn comparisons to other successful player-turned-coach stories, but few have made the leap directly from the general manager’s suite to the bench without prior coaching experience.

“He understands players, he understands the pressure, and he’s been in that locker room,” said Bruins captain Brad Marchand. “This is a guy who’s won at every level. We’re excited to see what he brings.”

Drury’s immediate focus will be on evaluating the roster, assembling his coaching staff, and preparing for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and free agency. While the Bruins still boast core talent—such as Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, and Jeremy Swayman—the team also faces significant questions about depth, aging veterans, and the need to keep pace in a competitive Atlantic Division.

What’s Next for the Rangers?

The Rangers, meanwhile, are now left searching for a new general manager and possibly facing organizational uncertainty. Associate GM Ryan Martin is expected to assume interim duties while ownership conducts a search for Drury’s replacement.

“Chris did an exceptional job during his time here,” said Rangers owner James Dolan in a brief statement. “We’re grateful for his service and wish him success in his next chapter.”

Conclusion: A Bold New Direction

For the Boston Bruins, the hiring of Chris Drury represents more than a coaching change—it marks a philosophical shift in how the team approaches leadership. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, Bruins fans have a new face behind the bench—and perhaps a new identity on the ice.