The New York Rangers endured a tough 2024–25 NHL season. After a red-hot start, the team quickly unraveled, with key players like K’Andre Miller and Chris Kreider failing to live up to expectations. Internal and external drama further destabilized the organization, ultimately leading to them missing the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
As the offseason begins, the Rangers face a pivotal choice: push again for a playoff run in 2026 or pivot toward a retooling phase, potentially shifting focus to younger talent. A full rebuild seems unlikely, but some strategic trades may be on the table. According to Harman Dayal of The Athletic, defenseman K’Andre Miller could be a candidate for such a move.
Once seen as a rising star on the Rangers’ blue line, Miller appeared to plateau in 2023–24 and took a step back in performance this past season. With his restricted free agent status looming, Miller’s future in New York is uncertain. He is eligible for arbitration, and contract projections estimate a four-year deal worth about $5.9 million annually. That could pose a problem for the cap-strapped Rangers, who have only $8.4 million in projected cap space, per PuckPedia, and must also re-sign players like Matt Rempe, Brett Berard, and Will Cuylle.
Trading Miller could offer New York some relief—both financially and in terms of acquiring assets to strengthen other areas. However, the case to keep him is just as compelling. The Rangers lack depth on the left side of the defense, especially after trading Ryan Lindgren to Colorado. Plus, with Mike Sullivan now behind the bench, the organization may want to see how Miller performs under new leadership. Sullivan brings championship experience and could help revive Miller’s form, which dipped under the previous coaching staff.
Dayal emphasized that nearly every Rangers defenseman underperformed this season, including star Adam Fox, which suggests system-related issues. Giving up on Miller without testing him in Sullivan’s system could be premature.
Ultimately, the Rangers have several moving pieces to manage this summer. While a trade involving Miller is a possibility, it’s a complex decision that will depend on how management evaluates his potential role in the team’s future. Rangers fans should stay tuned as this situation continues to develop.
