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Are the New York Rangers making a mistake shopping K’Andre Miller?

K’Andre Miller is a restricted free agent and could be traded to another team for next season. New York doesn’t want to sign Miller to a long-term contract. 
ByHannah Eng|
New York Rangers v Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers v Chicago Blackhawks | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

K’Andre Miller has played for the New York Rangers for the last five seasons. Still, his performance during the previous season has brought questions to many minds. Will the Rangers re-sign him for a short contract? Will the Rangers shop him for a more suitable trade? Rumors suggest that Mike Sullivan may not be a big Miller fan, which could also influence the decisions made.

Miller's History

The 2025 NHL Draft is approaching soon. Let’s reminisce on Miller’s history; he was drafted in 2018. He was a first-round draft pick as the 22nd pick for the Rangers. That is five seasons with the Rangers. Has he shown his value to the team yet? There is talk of him no longer wearing the Ranger jersey.

Miller's Current Situation

This past season, Miller was not a fan favorite. He’s a 25-year-old defenseman, and he didn’t show up for his team or his fan base. Disappointment was a part of Miller’s 2024-25 season. Many fans vocalized their opinion on Miller and hoped that they wouldn’t see him as a Ranger anymore. It’s possible for their wish to come true. It was a tough season for the Rangers as a whole, but according to Miller’s stats, which aren’t very impressive, he didn't seem to be an asset in bringing the Rangers to victory. He ended the season with seven goals and 20 assists. A less-than-impressive season indeed. His best or highest career high was during the 2023-24 season, when his plus/minus rating reached 23. He didn’t make an impact this season, but in fact, many Ranger players lacked drive and, as a result, had no impact.

Who wants Miller and why?

The Rangers have a new coach this year in Sullivan. This new coach doesn’t seem to be fond of Miller, so that could relate to all the talk of him leaving the team. Numerous rumors are circulating about where Miller could be traded. Miller could go to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but that wouldn’t benefit the Jackets. The most popular rumor is that he is moving to L.A. to become an LA King because they need defensemen. The Detroit Red Wings also need more defensemen, so that could also be an option. The Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks could all use a young, strong defenseman. However, it ultimately comes down to what the Rangers can acquire in exchange for Miller; it has to be worth it and also a good addition to the team. The Rangers appear to be revamping the team, acquiring new players and a new coach. Perhaps they will try a different strategy to become a winning team, as whatever they did this past season is on the list to avoid if you want to avoid being a losing team.

I know that Ranger fans like their familiar names, so I think if Miller goes, it will be an adjustment period to not seeing “Miller” and the number 79 skating by, but I wouldn’t be upset. It’s uplifting that the team is trying to reboot and get out of their funk. Their ego is hurt, and they need some redemption. If getting rid of Miller can push them in the right direction, then I’m all about it. The team will be different either way, as they enter the new season with the new coaching change.