In his first independent media interview about the Rangers and Knicks since January 2023, owner James Dolan reiterated his trust in Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury.

Dolan appeared on Craig Carton’s WFAN show Monday. The appearance focused mostly on the Knicks, but he did delve into some Rangers topics. Asked directly if he still believes in Drury, he responded with a firm “yes.”

“Chris Drury is a winner and competitor,” Dolan said. “He can’t stand to lose.”

The Rangers are off to a difficult start to the season with a 20-18-5 record. They have the worst point percentage in the Eastern Conference. Dolan said he knows the losses have bothered Drury and coach Mike Sullivan, but said they are “installing a new culture into that club.

“The culture doesn’t turn around overnight,” he said.

Dolan and Drury fired former coach Peter Laviolette after the Rangers missed the playoffs in 2024-25. Asked about the problem with the culture, Dolan said, “I think we thought they needed a change in the coach. This coach is a culture coach. He’s also a collaborator and a builder of teams. I think that it’s going to take a little while for Mike to get in there.”

Dolan added, “I think the team from last year didn’t really believe in themselves, and that made it hard.”

Dolan gave Drury a vote of confidence after the disastrous 2024-25 campaign, signing the general manager to an extension.

“You have to be patient,” Dolan said Monday.

Carton pointed out that Dolan is not always the most patient owner, but Dolan responded by saying, “As an owner you have to be patient. The guys set out a plan. When I get impatient is when we veer off the plan and reach for the shiny thing.”

One of the Rangers’ main issues this season is their play at home. They have a 5-10-3 record at Madison Square Garden.

“They play pretty well, and then they have these moments where things go bad,” Dolan said. “They find it hard to pull themselves up. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. They just have to learn to do it. They have to believe in themselves.”

Though Dolan stressed his patience, he said he doesn’t think his team is out of the playoff race. He brought up the Winter Classic that the Rangers won 5-1 against the Florida Panthers.

“Don’t give up on my team this year,” he said.