Chris Drury

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Drury began his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche in 1998–99. Recording 44 points in his first season, Drury was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. In so doing, he became the first player in history to have won both the Hobey Baker Award and the Calder Trophy. After a 65-point season in 2000–01, Drury won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche, adding 16 points in the playoffs. Drury became a fan favorite with the Avalanche crowd primarily due to his clutch play during playoffs. He had a total of 11 game-winning goals in four straight playoff seasons in Colorado. Avalanche captain Joe Sakic once said of Drury, 'You want a goal, you're in overtime – you want him.' Because of his penchant for game-winning goals, Drury was often referred to as one of the best clutch players in the NHL.

In Their Own Story

The 2001 Stanley Cup run remains the defining chapter of Drury's playing career with Colorado. After recording 65 points during the regular season, he elevated his game in the postseason, adding 16 points to help secure the championship. His value was most evident in high-pressure situations where he consistently delivered game-winning goals. The team's reliance on him was absolute; Sakic's endorsement of Drury as the go-to man for overtime goals highlighted the trust placed in his competitive nature. This period cemented his status not just as a skilled forward, but as a warrior who thrived when the stakes were highest. His departure from Colorado came after one final season where he recorded 46 points, leading to a trade that sent him and Stéphane Yelle to Calgary in exchange for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond, and Jeff Shantz.

Reader's Guide

Drury was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 72nd overall in the third round of the 1994 NHL entry draft. He played for the Colorado Avalanche from 1998 to 2002, then was traded to the Calgary Flames on October 1, 2002, along with Stéphane Yelle, in exchange for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond and Jeff Shantz. He spent one season with the Flames before being traded on July 3, 2003, along with Steve Bégin, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Steven Reinprecht and Rhett Warrener. He served as co-captain with Daniel Brière from 2005 to his departure via free agency in 2007. On July 1, 2007, Drury signed a five-year, $35.25 million contract with the New York Rangers. He was named the 25th captain in Rangers history on October 3, 2008.

Did You Know?

• Drury won the Little League Baseball World Series Championship with his hometown team from Trumbull, Connecticut in 1989.
• He is the first player in history to have won both the Hobey Baker Award and the Calder Memorial Trophy.
• Drury scored 11 game-winning goals in four straight playoff seasons with the Colorado Avalanche.
• He was named to the United States roster for the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Olympics, winning silver medals in 2002 and 2010.