The New York Rangers could be eyeing a major shake-up to their roster this offseason, and one deal that would inject some serious offensive firepower into the lineup.
One major trade has the Rangers acquiring high-scoring winger from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman. It’s a one-for-one swap that would see both teams address key needs—New York adds a dynamic forward, while St. Louis secures a foundational piece for its blue line.
Top star, 27, would bring immediate top-six scoring punch to the Rangers. He’s entering the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract and is coming off a productive season in which he tallied 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points in 82 games. With the Rangers looking to bolster their offensive depth, Kyrou could be a perfect fit in their forward corps.
In return, the Blues would land 25-year-old K’Andre Miller, a pending restricted free agent who has shown top-four potential on the back end. While Miller had a modest 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 74 games last season—reflective of a broader downturn for several Rangers players—his size, skating, and defensive upside make him a valuable asset. He made $3.872 million last season and is expected to command a raise in his next contract.
While purely speculative, this proposed deal offers intriguing benefits for both franchises as they look to retool for the 2025-26 season.
Rangers Testing Trade Market for Miller
K’Andre Miller’s future with the New York Rangers appears uncertain as his name continues to surface in trade rumors this offseason.
According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are currently gauging interest around the league for the 25-year-old defenseman. While a trade isn’t guaranteed, Friedman confirmed on his 32 Thoughts podcast that the organization is exploring the market.
“It’s not a guarantee, but they are testing the market on Miller,” Friedman said. “They want to know what it is. We’ll see where it goes. But his name is definitely out there.”
Friedman isn’t the only insider linking Miller to potential trade movement. Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff listed Miller as the 10th-ranked trade candidate in his offseason trade board. He highlighted questions surrounding the Rangers’ defensive core and how Miller’s next contract could complicate matters for GM Chris Drury.
“One of the biggest lingering questions for GM Chris Drury is the makeup and foundation of the Blueshirts’ blueline,” Seravalli wrote. “It’s no secret the Rangers have not defended well enough in front of Igor Shesterkin… Miller is just 25 and skates so effortlessly and efficiently, he should be part of the solution. But he’s also due a sizable raise and a contract that will have to buy UFA years. That’s expensive.”
Miller, selected 22nd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, is a pending restricted free agent and coming off a season where he posted 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) in 74 games. His strong skating and upside make him a valuable asset, but with the Rangers seeking upgrades and tighter cap management, his future in New York remains in flux.
Rangers Coach Has High Expectations for Team
The New York Rangers missed the playoffs this season and responded by parting ways with head coach Peter Laviolette.
In his place, the team hired Mike Sullivan, who guided the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. Heading into the upcoming season, Sullivan is setting a high bar, believing the Rangers have the pieces to be legitimate contenders.
“Spending ten years with the group in Pittsburgh, working with great people and coaching talented players, taught me a lot,” Sullivan said. “I hope to bring those lessons with me to New York to be the best coach I can for this team. We’re going to push hard every day to unlock the full potential of this group and see how far that takes us.”
Sullivan also emphasized that skill alone won’t be enough.
“There’s no shortage of talent in the locker room, but talent by itself doesn’t win championships,” he said. “Championships are won by teams, and from Day 1, that’s going to be our mission—becoming a real team.”
The Rangers wrapped up the 2024-25 season with a 39-36-7 record.