Would Rangers Trade K’Andre Miller in Huge Deal with Canucks?

As the New York Rangers try and figure out how to salvage a season that is clearly getting away from them, discussions about potential roster moves are heating up. Chris Kreider was a healthy scratch during the Ranger’s 5-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Monday, and while his name is in the rumor mill, another intriguing name is popping up. Former NHL player Sean Avery suggests the team consider trading defenseman K’Andre Miller.

Avery’s remarks come when he appeared on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, as you can see below:

The Rangers HAVE to start making more moves NOW.https://t.co/H2asmmniJU pic.twitter.com/gttQxYCBwc

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 23, 2024

Avery argued that this isn’t someone the Rangers will be keeping long term and the best plan of action is to move Miller now, while there’s trade value to be had. “It’s not gonna work out. He’s not a big market guy,” Avery said.

Miller, a 6-foot-5 blueliner and pending restricted free agent, is among many names surfacing in Rangers’ trade rumors. Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko have already been moved. Kreider and Mika Zibanejad‘s names have come up too. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently noted that Miller’s performance has fallen short of expectations this season, and with the Rangers looking at every option, the defenseman could be in jeopardy.

Despite averaging over 17 minutes of ice time and contributing to the penalty kill, Miller’s underwhelming offensive production has raised questions about his future in New York.

Would the Canucks Be Interested in a K’Andre Miller Trade?

Some will argue that the team shouldn’t trade anyone else without first making a coaching change. Speculation is that GM Chris Drury is hesitant to do that. If true, that likely means another roster move if the Rangers want to save this season.

Miller is a pending RFA that would be tradeable. He was once considered a cornerstone piece in New York, thus there would be interest. For example, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet is said to like the size and style that Miller could bring to the team. Given his preference for big defensemen, a lot is going on in Vancouver as well.

What About Miller for Miller?

Would there be any scenario where a Miller gets traded for a Miller? If J.T. Miller‘s time in Vancouver is running out and something needs to give as speculation of locker room issues continues to surround that team, would the Rangers dangle K’Andre Miller and more to get J.T. Miller out of Vancouver?

For both teams, it’s a bit of a risk. Moving K’Andre Miller means moving a young player with strong potential and arbitration rights. Moving J.T. Miller means the Canucks are moving one of the gutsiest players.

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