The New York Rangers have kicked off the offseason with a bold move, trading longtime veteran and fan favorite Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. There, he’ll reunite with former Rangers teammates Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. After a deeply disappointing 2024–25 campaign, it’s clear that a major roster overhaul is needed. Kreider’s departure should be the first of several key changes. Here are three other players New York will be parting with this offseason:
3. K’Andre Miller
K’Andre Miller possesses all the raw tools to become a top-pair defenseman — size, speed, and offensive potential. However, his progression has seemingly stalled. Defensively, he still struggles with positioning and decision-making under pressure. He often misjudges pinches and gets caught out of place, making him vulnerable at both blue lines.
Offensively, Miller hasn’t developed into the dynamic presence the Rangers hoped for. His production remains modest, and he hasn’t shown meaningful growth as a puck-mover or scoring threat. Despite his size, he tends to avoid physical play and loses too many board battles, which only magnifies his inconsistency at both ends of the ice.
While some previously blamed his struggles on linemate Jacob Trouba, it’s becoming clear that Miller’s issues are more deep-rooted. At 25, he’s still young by NHL standards, but his play has plateaued — or even regressed. With restricted free agency approaching on July 1st, it might be in both parties’ best interests to seek a fresh start.
2. Mika Zibanejad
Since arriving in 2016, Mika Zibanejad has been a key figure and fan favorite for the Rangers. But his recent performance has declined sharply. No longer the elite two-way center he once was, his struggles have become a major concern. His full no-movement clause and $8.5 million cap hit further complicate matters as the team looks to reshape the roster.
Zibanejad’s 5-on-5 play has been subpar for the last two seasons, and he was a significant contributor to the Rangers’ power play woes this year. He ended the season with just 20 goals — his lowest full-season total in New York — and a worrying -22 plus/minus rating. He’s also lost the power play one-timer that was once his calling card.
With his contract running through 2029 and a no-move clause in place, trading Zibanejad won’t be easy. Still, GM Chris Drury needs to at least explore the possibility. Loyalty can’t be allowed to cloud judgment with the Rangers’ championship window narrowing. If Zibanejad is willing to waive his clause, the team must consider a move.
1. Artemi Panarin
This may be the most controversial suggestion, but the Rangers should seriously weigh trading Artemi Panarin. Since joining the team in 2019, he’s been their top offensive player, averaging more than a point per game across five seasons and tallying 120 points last year — the second-highest single-season total in franchise history.
Despite his offensive dominance, Panarin’s lack of playoff impact is a recurring concern. He’ll turn 34 this season and is entering the final year of his seven-year, $11.6 million AAV contract. Given his age and contract status, now may be the optimal time to move him. His value remains high and could return multiple first-round picks and a premier prospect.
A Panarin trade would also open up significant cap space — money the Rangers could use to strengthen the bottom six, shore up a thin defense corps, or invest in younger talent. Shedding his contract would give the team more flexibility to build a deeper, more playoff-ready roster. While dealing a player of Panarin’s caliber is never easy, sometimes bold decisions are necessary to move forward.