Dallas Stars first-round exit finalizes New York Rangers return for K'Andre Miller

The New York Rangers first-round draft pick acquired via the K’Andre Miller deal with the Carolina Hurricanes has officially been realized after the Dallas Stars’ elimination Thursday night, and now the focus shifts to how they can maximize it.

The dream scenario involves some lottery luck with the Rangers' own pick resulting in them landing Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg, but even without a jump up the board, there’s value sitting later in the first round with their other pick - especially with Dallas’ first-round elimination. 

Here are a few names that could be firmly in play for the Rangers with that second first-round selection.

Wyatt Cullen

This might be a bit ambitious depending on how much his stock continues to rise, but Wyatt Cullen is making it tough for teams to pass on him. The son of longtime NHL forward, and former Ranger, Matt Cullen has been one of the standout performers at the U18 World Championship for Team USA, putting together a clinic with nine points (3G, 6A).

Cullen has an extremely well-rounded game. He skates well, possesses a dangerous shot, and processes the game at a high level. He plays a mature game, rarely forcing things and competing at every end of the ice. His ceiling might not scream superstar, but his floor is what makes him so intriguing. If he’s still on the board, he’d check a lot of boxes for the Rangers. 

Yegor (Egor) Shilov

Yegor Shilov feels like one of those players who could end up being labeled a steal a few years down the line. The Russian-born center has legitimate offensive upside, with the kind of skill set that creates problems in open ice. What stands out is the layers to his abilities. He competes, backchecks hard and plays a responsible 200-foot style without sacrificing his dynamic offensive gifts.

There’s also less projection risk here than some may expect. Shilov has already spent two full seasons in North America, so the transition may not be too concerning. Add in his familiarity with the New York area from his time with the Long Island Gulls, plus his commitment to Boston University for the 2027-28 season, and there’s a clear development path. He’s the type of player who could quietly become a very impactful piece down the middle.

Alexander Command

Alexander Command is another riser who’s starting to generate more buzz as the draft approaches. The Swedish center has produced at every level he’s played and even earned a brief look in the SHL.

Command is compelling because of his continuous offensive development, but plays without fear. His offensive game is still evolving, but the tools are there. He doesn’t shy away from the physical side. He plays with an edge, finishes checks, and brings a level of intensity that coaches love. If everything clicks offensively, there’s great middle-six upside here, with the potential to grow into a reliable second-line center.

Xavier Villeneuve

If Xavier Villeneuve somehow slides into the Rangers’ range, it should be a no-brainer for Chris Drury. Yes, he’s undersized, currently listed under 160 pounds, but that hasn’t stopped similar players from thriving in today’s NHL.

His game draws comparisons to Lane Hutson as he is dynamic with the puck, elusive in space, and capable of driving offense from the blue line. Villeneuve’s skating and vision allow him to control play and create opportunities, especially on the power play. He’ll need to add strength, but if it all comes together, he can be one of the NHL’s next great power play quarterbacks. 

This draft class has some great talent, and the Rangers are in a strong position holding multiple picks. Getting this selection right is crucial during this retooling period to help add high-end upside to a prospect pool starving for it. 

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