With new head coach Mike Sullivan at the helm, the New York Rangers are ready to begin the next chapter in their franchise’s story—one that may not include a key defender from recent seasons.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts Podcast that the Rangers are gauging trade interest in pending restricted free agent K’Andre Miller. Friedman compared Miller’s situation to that of the Sabres’ Bowen Byram, another young, high-pedigree defender who could benefit from a change of scenery. As Friedman notes, “It’s not a guarantee, but they are testing the market.”
The 25-year-old Miller is coming off a down year, mirroring the performance of many members of the Rangers’ core who disappointed this season. In 74 games, Miller scored seven goals, 27 points, and posted a zero plus/minus rating. While he tied his career high with 21:57 of ice time per game, Miller also set a career high with 97 giveaways. Moreover, his 107 hits and 110 blocked shots were his lowest totals since his rookie season.
GM Chris Drury will need to decide if trading Miller is the best move for the team, but if a trade doesn’t bring a defender back to New York, the Rangers will likely have to target the position in free agency. As the roster currently stands, the Rangers have five defensemen under contract for the 2025-26 season, which includes Adam Fox, William Borgen, Braden Schneider, Carson Soucy, and Urho Vaakanainen. And like Miller, Matthew Robertson and Zachary Jones are set for restricted free agency, while veteran Calvin de Haan is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
While Miller didn’t have the season he’d hoped for heading into restricted free agency, he could benefit from playing under Sullivan, especially if the coach brings his patented style that helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win two Stanley Cups. In Pittsburgh, Sullivan favored a fast-paced style of play that relied on mobile defenders—something Miller excels at.
Definitely not a Miller apologist, he sucked this past year (like the whole back end did), but Drury giving up on him would be a Buchnevich sized mistake. This kid still has all the physical tools to be a Top 4 defender and can contribute on the offense as well. Not giving him at least a shot under Sullivan to improve his play is another example of why Drury is the real problem.
Drury didn’t give up on Buchnevich, he couldn’t resign him for what he was looking for. Cap didn’t allow it and they still had Kakko and Laffy needing playing time.
Never said he gave up on Buch. He moved him for Peanuts due to cap issues. Same cap issues now with K’andre and Cuylle. Whatever the reason, it was still a mistake by Drury ad he’s been searching unsuccessfully for his replacement every offseason since. Get the Bridge deal done and give him a chance to prove himself as healthy under new staff. If he fails, move him at deadline.
K’Poke had a horrible season. I’m hoping it was because of the overall down season the whole team had and the fact he needed shoulder surgery. That would explain his lack of physicality and amount of turnovers. Not sure if that will help, but a 2 year bridge type deal might be worth it.
Miller’s defensive analytics are still strong . He is very good positionally but unfortunately he try’s to do to much to often and make poor eye test decisions with the puck . He is the kind of player that could make the Rangers look silly if traded . Especially with how bad their defence is overall . If Will Borgen makes your defence look better you are in big trouble
I’m excited to see what we could get back for Miller…
I’m not a fan…he’s had plenty of time to prove himself as an Elite player in the the NHL…don’t care about his age…just watch his play…
IF u can get a Boatload Back for him then sign off on it…