The New York Rangers have promoted Chris Drury to assistant general manager.

Drury, 40, played 12 seasons in the NHL, including four with the Rangers. He won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and also played for the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres.

"It was very significant," Rangers GM Jeff Gorton said recently during a conference call to introduce Vesey. "I've gotten to know [Drury] a lot since we hired him in the last year, and he's a pretty special guy. He has lots of character and he's done a lot of different things in the game -- and in sports in general -- and he's had so much success. He carries himself with class. He's just a good guy and a great voice in the room.

"Chris has been a great hire for us, and he's done a lot of good things in one year. He's been very impressive for us and definitely a huge asset in the room when we go talk to young players."