"There still seems to be a little bit of animosity between some of the current players," Pagnotta said on TSN Radio.
"Now that, coupled with the frustration of going through a bad swing and a bit of a free-for-all free fall, excuse me, those frustrations start to boil over, and things get a little bit more hectic in that room."
In order to quell the friction, GM Chris Drury has decided to move players out of the team, in order to change the dynamic.
But, it seems Drury isn't done just yet.
«So you're throwing blame, you're taking blame, you're pointing fingers, you're ignoring messages, you're this, that, and the other they've gotten in their heads, and it's played a big factor as to why this team isn't where it necessarily should be.
If what TFP's David Pagnotta has said is true, this could be more of an internal issue that isn't related to coaching.
But the fabric of the team itself, coming apart at its seams.
A rebuild is unlikely, as Drury will want to maintain the Rangers' Stanley Cup window. But as it stands now, that looks far in the distance as toxicity has permeated through Madison Square Garden's locker room.
Drury has a tough choice ahead, as he'll have to reshape the roster and move out more pieces, which could be tough as he works to salvage the season.
Peter Laviolette's inability to keep the Rangers disciplined and play to the best of their abilities could be related to this issue at its core.
If that is the case, the Rangers better hope the trade deadline removes the toxic elements in the team and brings in some players who bring hope.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
POLL |
DECEMBRE 26 | 1749 ANSWERS NHL Insider Thinks "animosity" has taken hold among Rangers players as GM Chris Drury reshapes roster Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers ship out the toxic elements in the team? |
Yes | 851 | 48.7 % |
No | 53 | 3 % |
Chris Drury is toxic | 845 | 48.3 % |
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