Drury sent a letter to fans last week outlining the organization’s direction ahead of the trade deadline, stating the Rangers will act as sellers while stopping short of committing to a full rebuild. While several veteran names could be in play, Miller is not one of them.
Pending unrestricted free agent Artemi Panarin continues to headline trade discussions surrounding New York. The star winger now sits atop the TSN Trade Bait board after recent deals involving Kiefer Sherwood and Rasmus Andersson. However, speculation around Miller appears misplaced.
“Drury met with all the players individually who have no-move clauses,” TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun said Tuesday on Insider Trading. “Among those players is Artemi Panarin, but J.T. Miller, the captain, his name is already out there, and I’m not quite sure why.”
LeBrun went on to make it clear that neither side has interest in opening the door to a potential move.
“What I was told today is that Miller has no intention of waiving his no-move clause, and the Rangers have no intention of going to him and asking to waive it. They traded for him last year, they made him captain, and they still believe in the reasons why they made that move. Miller should not be part of whatever exodus of players leaves New York.”
The Rangers reacquired Miller from the Vancouver Canucks just last year, giving up a package that included a 2025 first-round pick. Since returning to the organization that originally drafted him, the 32-year-old has remained productive. He has recorded 13 goals and 32 points in 42 games this season, after posting 13 goals and 35 points in 32 games following the trade last winter.
Miller is under contract through the 2029-30 season with an $8 million cap hit. Beginning in 2027-28, his deal transitions to a modified no-trade clause that includes a 15-team list for the final three years.
On the ice, the Rangers’ struggles have continued. They beat the Philadelphia Flyers in their first game after Drury’s letter was released but have since lost two straight. New York remains last in the Eastern Conference, sitting 10 points out of the final wild-card spot.
Meanwhile, Panarin continues to produce despite trade rumors swirling. His 10-game point streak ended in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, but he still has 19 goals and 56 points in 50 games while carrying an $11.64 million cap hit on an expiring contract.