Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Drury finally broke into the NHL full-time this season, playing 74 games this year.
Drury had eight goals and 27 points in the regular season and had one goal and five points in 11 postseason games.
The Harvard graduate saw his defensive game take huge strides this season and had one of the higher faceoff percentages on the team.
Drury is now at the end of his ELC and as an RFA will be looking for a new deal.
The Canes held their second round of exit interviews on Sunday following the conclusion of their 2023-24 season which ended after losing in six games to the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs.
Here's what Drury had to say:
On Rod Brind'Amour's comments on him being a perfect Hurricane: I didn't see that, but that's cool to hear. You couldn't really ask for a better coach. I mean, he's the best and obviously I saw the news [about his contract extension] last night, so I can't really say how great that is to hear. Playing for him is an honor. Obviously we're all pretty frustrated with how it ended but I look forward to continuing to play for him.
On if he anticipates negotiating a new contract to be stressful: Nah, that's not too big of an issue for me. Obviously they have a lot of other stuff to kind of figure out here, but that's not really anything I'm worried about.
On his growth as a player: We've got a lot of good players here and we have a deep team, so whoever you were playing with, you're playing with good players. It's a staff you want to play for and I think it definitely brought the most out of me. But at the same time, I know I have to get a little better and continue to be better going into next year.
On the areas he wants to improve in: I think I need to get a little better with goal scoring. Contributing a little more that way. And then continue to just get a little bigger and stronger. I think I'm still young enough where I can still put some muscle on and be a little better in the corners.
On the veteran leadership in the room: I can't speak enough to the leadership here. I know it get talked about a lot, but the culture here is incredible. We have such good leaders, [Jordan Martinook], [Jordan Staal], [Brent Burns]. I mean these guys are legends and for guys like me and [Seth Jarvis] and the younger guys, to learn from these guys is so important. I take everything I learn from them and it's kind of makes me what I am.
On wanting to remain a Carolina Hurricane: Of course. Playing for this staff is a privilege. I consider myself so lucky to be able to play for them and with this group of guys. I love it here.
On if he talked to his uncle and Rangers GM Chris Drury at all after the series: We didn't talk at all during the series but he sent me a nice text after. Obviously wish him the best of luck going forward.
On if he had discussions with Chris about his opportunity for development in Carolina: We honestly, like nowadays, we don't talk too much hockey. When I was younger it was a lot more, but now it's more baseball or other stuff. I can't speak for him, but I'm sure he understands the culture here and I think Rod's reputation speaks for itself.
On Seth Jarvis: He's the best. It was great seeing him have a breakout year. Couldn't be a nicer guy and he takes it with humility. I think the sky's the limit for him. It's going to be cool to see where he can take his game to.
On his favorite Jarvis moment this season: When he got hurt in Arizona, he was holding onto his shoulder and then magically two seconds later, got the puck and shot it glove-side high. Sniped and was fine. That was pretty funny in the locker room hearing some of the guys' takes on that. Lemieux had some good lines but I'm going to keep those private.
On what he means by it being a privilege to play for the staff in Carolina: They all know the game so well and just from a technical standpoint. The things you learn from them, it's crazy how much information you take in. And then just the character and culture. Hardest working guys here and it makes it easy as a player to work hard and follow that lead when you know the coaches and the whole staff are working equally hard if not harder each day.
On if he'll be taking any boxing classes over the summer: Probably not. Just putting on some muscle will hopefully help me in that department. A little more protein powder and hopefully I can fare better.