The New York Rangers may be heading toward a major roster shakeup, and at the center of it is defenseman K’Andre Miller. According to several reports from the NHL Draft Combine, General Manager Chris Drury is seriously considering trading the 25-year-old blueliner before the start of the 2025–26 season. While nothing is finalized yet, insiders believe a move is increasingly likely, if not inevitable.
Inconsistency and Cap Concerns Pushing Rangers Toward Trade
Miller, a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, is due for a new contract after completing a two-year deal worth $7.744 million. Given the Rangers’ current salary cap situation, with just over $8.4 million in space, keeping Miller may not be financially feasible. New York also has other pending RFAs, including Matt Rempe, Brett Berard, and Will Cuylle.
The Rangers are reportedly not aggressively shopping Miller, but they’re listening. Behind this growing trade chatter is a blend of financial pressure, disappointing on-ice results, and a front office seeking to reset its roster chemistry. Multiple sources from the combine suggested Drury believes the current locker room mix wasn’t working, and Miller’s name has come up repeatedly in conversations.
Miller brings size, experience, and potential for offensive upside. On paper, but his 2024–25 season was underwhelming. He finished with just 27 points and a career-worst plus-minus, while committing 97 giveaways, nearly three times his total from the previous year. Despite once being seen as a cornerstone defenseman, his recent play has sparked questions about whether he’s part of the Rangers’ long-term vision.
Minn ties the game 4-4.K’Andre Miller with the giveaway. #NYR pic.twitter.com/xmEgB38IvF
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 3, 2025
Miller’s RFA status adds to the complexity. A short-term contract would place the Rangers in a vulnerable position next offseason, while a longer deal carries risk if his performance doesn’t rebound. With new head coach Mike Sullivan now in charge, there’s speculation he may prefer bringing in fresh defensive talent rather than trying to salvage Miller’s role.
Even though offer sheets in the NHL are rare, there’s a belief around the league that one could be coming for Miller if he’s not moved before July 1. Trading him now could allow the Rangers to recoup assets and gain cap flexibility before the draft.
What a K’Andre Miller Trade Means for the Rangers
Change was always expected for a team that went from being a four-time Presidents’ Trophy winner to missing the playoffs in one season. A Miller trade wouldn’t be a blockbuster.
Still, it would free up valuable space and help the Rangers shift direction under Sullivan. Some potential landing spots include teams needing size and mobility on the blue line and willing to take a chance on a young defender with upside.
Whether it’s part of a bigger rebuild or a simple reshuffling, the Rangers’ decision on Miller may define their offseason strategy. If the goal is to compete again quickly, reallocating Miller’s cap hit toward more consistent performers could be a step in that direction.