NHL Free Agency: Rangers 'Reaching Crossroads' With K'Andre Miller
The New York Rangers are reportedly reaching a crossroads with defenseman K’Andre Miller, according to Vincent Z. Mercogliano of Lohud.
Now 25 and a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights, Miller’s future with the team is uncertain after an inconsistent season marked by injury and fluctuating play. His struggles early in the year were compounded by an upper-body injury and an ineffective pairing with Jacob Trouba, but his game stabilized after being partnered with Will Borgen.
Despite the ups and downs, Miller remains the top left-shot defenseman in the organization — a reality that makes the idea of trading him a risky proposition.
K'Andre Miller is 7th in the league in Takeaways. #NYR pic.twitter.com/tTsbHcINo4
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) March 29, 2025
Miller has worked to manage the mental demands of his position, noting that earlier this season he struggled with outside noise and confidence issues.
“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.”
K’Andre Miller, stick checking again. 5 years into his NHL career, still making the same mistakes as day one, and making an egregious mistake that you’re taught not to do before you hit your teenage years, not playing the body.
— John (@92In82) March 30, 2025
This guy’s fundamentals are awful. #NYR
Tired of hearing this ridiculous narrative of how great K’Andre Miller is. He is not that good. #NYR
— John (@92In82) March 29, 2025
With two years of team control remaining, the Rangers could opt for a bridge deal to carry Miller to UFA status in 2027 — an outcome Mercogliano suggests could buy time for both sides.
However, GM Chris Drury must weigh whether Miller will ever fully reach his ceiling or if trading him now could address other roster needs. The alternatives on the UFA market, like Vladislav Gavrikov or Ivan Provorov, are older and more expensive, and internal options lack Miller’s upside.
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.”
K’Andre Miller might be the worst defenseman in the NHL. He has zero hockey IQ. Is probably the laziest player I’ve ever seen and is super soft. There is no way this team can bring him back next year. #NYR
— Talkin’ Rangers (@talkin_rangers) March 21, 2025
Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
