He’s also got the NHL bloodlines. Drury’s father, Ted, played eight NHL seasons from 1993-01, and his uncle, Chris Drury, is the current President of Hockey Operations/General Manager for the New York Rangers.

From the moment Preds President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland traded for Drury from his former team in Colorado, the GM made it clear why the center was someone he didn’t hesitate to add to his roster – and then sign him for the foreseeable future. 

“Jack Drury, he’s still young, he’s 26 years old, he’s got a lot of hockey in front of him,” MacFarland said back in June. “He’s an elite, two-way defensive center who, if he’s not one of the best defensive guys in the League, I don’t know who is, but I think the really important part for me with Jack is he’s a culture changer. He’s a competitive guy on and off the ice that does the right things day in and day out that help teams win hockey games, and I think his impact on an organization goes beyond the ice. It’s in the locker room. The impact on the future young Preds, whether it’s Brady Martin or [Egor] Surin or [David] Edstrom or Felix Nilsson – it’s really hard to put a number on that. But having been around him and seeing what he does live and in color, there are things that he will impact that you can’t put a just can’t put a value on.”

Brunette and his coaching staff quickly saw those attributes as well, and as the bench boss explained last week, it didn’t take long to decide Drury deserved to wear a letter. 

“With Jack coming in, he brings a lot of energy, does the right things on and off the ice and he’s a highly competitive kid,” Brunette said. “It was kind of a no-brainer to put him into the [leadership] group right now.” 

For Drury, who has worn a letter before in the minors and in NHL preseason games – but never in a permanent capacity at the NHL level – the honor isn’t taken lightly, especially as he settles into a new club. 

“I think I’ll just keep doing the things I do,” Drury said. “Work hard off the ice, on the ice, be a good person; obviously let [Stamkos], Fil, [Factor], all those guys kind of take the lead. So, just kind of follow their example and keep bringing everyone along.

“I think everyone’s gelled together really well. We’ve got some really hard workers with our veteran guys and leaders, so it’s been really easy to follow their example. They’ve brought a lot of energy, compete every single day, and that makes it easy to follow.”

Drury, whose sister is a Nashville singer/songwriter herself, is happily settling into his new city. The added responsibility aides in the comfort as well, and even though he’s barely had time to learn his way around town, he’s already been entrusted as a key member of his new team. 

It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly, and one he intends on fulfilling to the best of his ability over the next little while.  

“It means a lot,” Drury said. “I love the staff here so far, and obviously know the management well. So, it’s an honor to play here.”