Chris Drury is going through a particularly difficult time in New York.
Under his leadership, the New York Rangers, although built to rise among the NHL’s elite, became bogged down in uncertainty and controversy.
Meanwhile, Jeff Gorton, vice-president of the Montreal Canadiens and former architect of that Rangers team, is carefully observing the situation.
With a Canadian well positioned thanks to his salary flexibility and a promising core of young players, Gorton could take advantage of this opportunity to make advantageous transactions.
If the Rangers, under pressure, are ready to move established players like Chris Kreider, Kaapo Kakko or even K’Andre Miller, the Canadian has interesting assets to offer in return.
Montreal has built up some depth in its veterans and can exploit players who are nearing the end of their contracts or who have high value at the moment.
David Savard, for example, becomes a free agent this summer. His toughness, experience and defensive style of play make him an interesting piece for a team like the Rangers, who are looking to stabilize their defensive brigade after the Jacob Trouba trade.
Savard, although limited offensively, has experience in big moments and could complete a duo with an offensive defenseman like Adam Fox.
Along the same lines, players like Joel Armia, Jake Evans and Christian Dvorak are also at the end of their contracts this summer.
These three players offer versatility and experience that could serve the Rangers well in depth, especially with Drury looking ready to shake up the team’s core.
If the Rangers are looking to bolster their third and fourth lines with players who can fill holes quickly, these names become very relevant.
But the most intriguing option might just be Mike Matheson.
At 29 years old, Matheson is having a season where his value is at the peak.
With the emergence of Lane Hutson, an exceptionally dominant and mature left-handed defender for his age, Matheson began to see his playing time decline.
Montreal could afford to get rid of Matheson, knowing that Hutson is clearly destined to play a central role on the CH blue line for years to come.
Matheson, under contract until July 2026, could be an ideal solution for the Rangers, who need support on defense after trading Trouba.
Matheson possesses mobility and vision for the game that would perfectly complement Adam Fox’s style.
And unlike older players, he still has enough time left on his contract to be an asset in the medium term.
Jeff Gorton, with his extensive knowledge of the Rangers organization, knows exactly which players on his own roster can fit New York’s current needs.
Montreal is in an enviable position where they can not only absorb larger contracts in return, but also offer players who provide immediate solutions to specific problems at the Rangers.
While Chris Drury seems to be making hasty decisions in an effort to revive his team, Gorton can play the card of patience and strategy.
Montreal, with its well-advanced rebuild and talented young core, has the luxury of choosing its targets carefully.
If players like Kreider, Kakko or Miller become available, Gorton will be among the first to knock on the door.
This situation also highlights the contrast between the two leaders.
Drury, facing intense pressure in a demanding market like New York, must act quickly to avoid losing further ground.
Gorton, for his part, can rely on the stability and long-term vision he established with Kent Hughes in Montreal.
This is an ideal position to exploit the Rangers’ weaknesses and strengthen your own lineup.
What makes this situation even more compelling is the personal rivalry between Gorton and Drury.
After being ousted from his post in New York under controversial circumstances, Gorton has added motivation to prove that his vision and method surpass those of his former deputy.
Every decision he makes in Montreal is a way of demonstrating that success is built with patience and intelligence, and not with impulsive movements.
With players like Matheson, Savard, Armia or even Evans to offer, Montreal is able to propose transactions that benefit both teams.
And if that means weakening a direct rival while strengthening the Canadian, Gorton will stop at nothing.
While the Rangers are bogged down in uncertainty, the Canadiens continue to move forward methodically.
And if this crisis in New York allows Montreal to get closer to its ultimate goal, it would be sweet revenge for Jeff Gorton.
After all, success, like building a championship team, is an art that Gorton has mastered better than anyone.
To be continued…
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