The New York Rangers could look to trade star defenseman K’Andre Miller this offseason.
The Rangers were a team expected to make some big changes this offseason. New York missed the playoffs last season and already traded Chris Kreider. One other name that has come up in trade talks is Miller.
NHL insider Shayne Goldman of The Athletic links the Rangers to trading Miller to their division rival in the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Contenders could also look at Miller, depending on free agent departures,” Goldman wrote. “After a disappointing Eastern Conference final exit, the Carolina Hurricanes may want to find more skill to play within the system. If Dmitry Orlov walks as a free agent, maybe Carolina can maximize Miller’s game.
“As ideal as the trade route may seem for New York — since it allows management to clear cap space and get more favorable assets in return than an offer sheet — it doesn’t necessarily make this team better, either,” Goldman added. “Even if trading Miller feels like a necessity, it leaves the blue line without someone capable of absorbing matchup minutes and contributing game-changing plays on both ends of the ice.”
Miller is a pending RFA after completing his two-year, $7.74 million deal. Although he is a candidate for being offer sheeted, it is likely that the Rangers will look to trade Miller.
Insider Expects Rangers to Move on From Miller
Miller was drafted in the first round in hopes of being a franchise defenseman for the Rangers.
However, Miller hasn’t developed into the role the Rangers wanted, and all signs point to New York trading him.
“Miller has the chops to be a franchise defenseman, but this is a results-driven league. The results weren’t there last year and management can only bet on so many bounce-backs,” Goldman wrote. “The contract situation, road to free agency and threat of an offer sheet only add more hurdles to navigate. And that could be what spells the end for Miller in New York. Despite all the skill he brings to the table.”
Miller was selected 22nd overall in 2018 by the Rangers. He recorded 7 goals and 20 assists for 27 points in 74 games.
Rangers Not Interested in Signing Miller to Long-Term Deal
Part of the reason why New York is likely to trade Miller is due to the fact that they don’t want to commit to the defenseman long-term.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spoke on 32 Thoughts on June 13 and revealed the Rangers don’t want to sign Miller to a long-term extension.
“They don’t want to give him term. They’ve indicated if they sign him to an extension it’s not going to be a long-term extension. And that’s why his name is out there,” Friedman said.
Meanwhile, Rangers reporter Larry Brooks of The New York Post says it’s inevitable that Miller will be traded.
“At this point, it seems inevitable that K’Andre Miller, whose name was on the tip of just about everybody’s tongue throughout the week, will be moved,” Brooks wrote. “Several sources believe that Miller will be targeted with an offer sheet if he’s not moved before July 1.”
Miller has skated in 368 career NHL games.
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