New York Rangers reaching complicated impasse with top Defenseman K'Andre Miller
Photo credit: Canucks Daily
The New York Rangers and defenseman K'Andre Miller are reportedly at an impasse. The 25-year-old Ranger is a pending RFA and has arbitration rights, but has looked inconsistent this season on the ice.
Given that GM Chris Drury has prioritized putting the team through a retool, there's no telling who is on the trade block next.
But we have an idea, as Vince Mercogliano of Lohud has reported, that Miller's future with the team is uncertain.
His play has been too inconsistent, along with the failures on the ice compounded by the Jacob Trouba trade and an injury, his future doesn't seem bright in New York.
While playing on Will Borgen's left has found a way to stabilize the two-way defenseman, trading the top-pairing player could end up being a risky bet for GM Chris Drury.
While Miller has had to work through his own mental issues this season, he's worked to come out on top and has impressed Head Coach Peter Laviolette with his play down the stretch.
«Things were getting to me that usually don't,» he admitted. «I just tried to push those things to the side... and play hockey.» Since returning from injured reserve in late December, his on-ice impact improved considerably. His advanced metrics bounced back, and he's handled heavy minutes, especially during stretches without Adam Fox.
Head coach Peter Laviolette praised his performance, saying, «He's been excellent It's really starting to show down the stretch.»
Head coach Peter Laviolette praised his performance, saying, «He's been excellent It's really starting to show down the stretch.»
If the Rangers decide not to trade him, they could give him a bridge deal to see how he continues to develop after a down year in 2024-2025.
The bridge could carry him into 2027 and could give Miller another chance to show his worth to the Rangers, and give the team time to either trade him or prepare for a better deal afterward.
GM Chris Drury will have plenty of left-shot UFAs to consider during free agency, and one of them would be an excellent alternative in Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings.
While he's more consistent than Miller, he doesn't have the player's upside at the moment.
For now, Miller is just happy to be a Ranger.
For now, Miller remains hopeful: «I've been fortunate to call it home for the last five years. I hope to call it home for a couple more.»
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 2 | 1090 ANSWERS New York Rangers reaching complicated impasse with top Defenseman K'Andre Miller If you were GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers, would you trade defenseman K'Andre Miller? | ||
| Yes | 836 | 76.7 % |
| No | 254 | 23.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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