1. Nate Schmidt
Nate Schmidt signed a 1-year, $800,000 contract with the Florida Panthers on July 3, 2024. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent and would be a perfect fit to replace Miller.
At 33-years-old and having 12 years of experience playing in the league, Schmidt brings a level of experience and hockey knowledge that is incredibly desirable for any blueliner. Pair this with the fact that he's already tallied 12 points during the Florida Panthers current run in contention for the Stanley Cup, and it's time for Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury to pick up the phone.
He's also a gritty guy — a grinder if you will — as the Minnesota native has become an NHL regular despite being undrafted following his senior season at St. Cloud Cathedral High School.
Schmidt is known for playing his defense well while also contributing when opportunities arise at the other end of the ice. The Minnesota native has a career total of 239 points across 741 games.
Honorable Mention - Luke Hughes
Now, is there a shot in hell of this happening? No. Is New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes even offer sheet eligible? No. Do the Devils eventually want to reunite all three Hughes brothers and have them all playing for New Jersey? Yes. But, technically Luke Hughes is still a free agent.
The youngest Hughes brother, has a current contract with the New Jersey Devils, a three-year, entry-level deal signed on April 8, 2023. Luke Hughes is not currently eligible for an offer sheet, as he is considered a "10.2.c" player due to not reaching 10 games played in his first year.
At 21-years-old and wearing No. 43, Hughes was originally named a finalist for the 2024 Calder Trophy given to the NHL rookie of the year after finishing tied for second among rookies with 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) in 82 games. In the 2024-25 regular-season he tallied 44 points including 37 assists — which is just one short of his career-high.
His youth could only mean for more growth and improvement down the line and would be a nice contrast to the current Rangers' defensemen roster which doesn't include a single player bron after the year 2001.