After missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, the New York Rangers are expected to make major roster changes this offseason. Their disappointing 85-point campaign cost head coach Peter Laviolette his job, and the team has since hired two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan to take the helm.
One of the biggest moves on the horizon may involve defenseman K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old, whose five-year deal worth $7.7 million just expired, is now a restricted free agent. According to insiders, the Rangers have been exploring trade options for Miller for several weeks and had been expected to deal him around the NHL Draft. However, with the draft now complete, Miller remains on the roster.
If he isn’t traded by Tuesday, other teams could submit offer sheets. Per New York Post reporter Larry Brooks, an offer in the range of $6 to $7 million annually over five years would likely be out of the Rangers’ financial comfort zone, meaning they might let him walk in exchange for a first- and third-round pick in what’s projected to be a talent-rich 2026 draft.
With Miller potentially on his way out, the Rangers have reportedly set their sights on another young blue-liner: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. According to NHL insider Johnny Lazarus, New York is “highly interested” in the 24-year-old right-shot defenseman, who is also a restricted free agent and wasn’t moved during the draft.
Byram, the fourth overall pick in 2019 by Colorado, just completed a $3.85 million deal with the Sabres. He’s received high praise for his play, earning an “A” grade for his defensive performance this past season from The Hockey Writers. Though he usually played alongside Owen Power, Byram was widely regarded as the more reliable defender of the two, despite being slotted lower in the lineup.
With the Sabres missing the playoffs yet again, Byram reportedly wants out of Buffalo so much so that he and his family moved out of the area right after the season ended. If GM Chris Drury can pull off a deal, Byram could step in as a top-four defenseman and provide immediate impact possibly even being tested on the left side if the Rangers need him to replace Miller directly.
