The New York Rangers missed the playoffs last season and are now exploring ways to overhaul their roster.
The rangers blockbuster deal would be significant, as it involves the Rangers parting with K’Andre Miller — a top-tier defenseman — in exchange for veteran star, a capable second-line center, along with two additional players changing teams.
He is entering the second year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract. If the Rangers move on from veterans Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider as rumored, Monahan could step into a key role down the middle. He tallied 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in just 54 games last season.
Aston-Reese, a physical fourth-line forward, would also join New York. He’s on a one-year deal worth $775,000 and would bring grit to the team’s bottom six.
Going the other way, Miller is a pending restricted free agent, and the Rangers might not be able to afford his next contract. In Columbus, he’d likely slot into a top defensive pairing and provide some offensive upside after posting 7 goals and 20 assists over 74 games.
The Blue Jackets would also receive Sýkora, a 20-year-old winger drafted in the second round in 2022. He’s viewed as a promising prospect and could challenge for an NHL spot next season.
Analyst Urges Rangers to Trade Miller
K’Andre Miller is a standout defenseman for the New York Rangers, but he may be a key trade piece this offseason.
Miller would draw interest from multiple teams thanks to his ability to contribute offensively and hold down a top-four role on the blue line. Despite his talent, his fit with the Rangers hasn’t been ideal, which has prompted ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski to suggest the team should consider moving him.
“I’d trade K’Andre,” Wyshynski said on the RINK RAP podcast via Forever Blueshirts. “The problem with K’Andre is I haven’t seen the development I expected at this stage of his career. You can point to defensive partners or the overall state of the blue line, but I’d look to trade him now.”
Originally selected 22nd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Miller has played 368 NHL games, totaling 36 goals and 96 assists for 132 career points.
Rangers Coach Hopes to Make Team Competitive
The New York Rangers brought in Mike Sullivan as their new head coach this offseason following a disappointing campaign that saw them miss the playoffs.
Peter Laviolette was dismissed after the season, and the team quickly moved to hire Sullivan as his replacement. Now in charge, Sullivan emphasized his commitment to getting the most out of the roster and building a true team.
“I’m hoping to apply the experiences I’ve had to help make me a better coach for this group,” Sullivan said. “Our goal is to push these players every day to reach their full potential. There’s a lot of talent in that room, but as we know, talent alone doesn’t win championships—teams do. That’s our challenge from the start: to become a cohesive, championship-caliber team.”
Heading into the offseason, the Rangers have \$8.4 million in available cap space.