Rangers promote Drury to associate GM

The New York Rangers rewarded Chris Drury for his loyalty Friday, promoting him to associate general manager.

Drury was the Rangers' lone assistant GM. New York reportedly gave him permission to interview for the Pittsburgh Penguins' GM vacancy earlier this week, but he apparently withdrew from the running Wednesday, citing a desire to remain with the Rangers.

The former NHL forward is in his sixth season with New York's front office. The team promoted him from director of player development to assistant GM in 2016.

Drury, 44, played 12 seasons in the league and spent his final four with New York. He collected 255 goals and 360 assists over 892 games split between the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, and Rangers.