The Rangers really don't get team friendly deals. It's frustrating, but that's what happens when you set the market internally by signing UFA to big deals. The Leafs experienced the same thing by signing Tavares. If you keep it in-house and sign your best player long term to a reasonable deal, it makes it hard for other players to demand much more.
That being said, I doubt the locker room cares very much. They're all happy for him and want him to get paid.
Drury probably leaked this to put pressure on him to sign. It worked for Swayman.
Ride out the year, try to win the cup, and let him walk. Ridiculous.