Im not convinced Drury is going to making moves to save his job this summer. I think he has more job security than his detractors want to acknowledge. Seems like he and Dolan are in relative lockstep in terms of knowing they need to continue moving on from the old guard. Kreider will be gone. I think the odds of Panarin being gone have risen significantly in the past 48 hours. Mika want to stay but he may change his tune as his peers are moved out. Even so, I think he can meld fairly easily with the new culture they attempt to foster. Low maintenance guy who shouldnt be in a primary leadership[ role imo.
My big hope would be that they dont try to go for a retread like Mike Sullivan, who is a Laviolette clone. Hire a young coach from the AHL or college ranks who can implement a system and grow with the many young players we still have. Lean on Igor, Fox, JT, Trocheck, Cuylle and Lafreniere. There are pieces here. We arent starting from scratch. Take a step back in expectations next year to build some flexibility for the 2027 season. I still expect them to be very much in the mix for a playoff spot next season, even if we acknowledge going in that they arent a top tier contender. It's easier for me to see sunlight now that the horrors of this season are mercifully over.
