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Best version of ex-Rangers defenseman on display in latest postseason run
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- Best version of ex-Rangers defenseman on display in latest postseason run
K'Andre Miller's been here before, contributing in a top-four role on defense for a team headed to the Eastern Conference Final. The 26-year-old did that twice with the New York Rangers . But it was never quite like this postseason run with the Carolina Hurricanes .
Yes, Miller was a standout in 2022, part of an emerging core on Broadway playing in his — and collectively their — first Stanley Cup Playoffs. Then just 22 years old, Miller paired with veteran Jacob Trouba and logged the second most TOI for the Rangers , averaging 24:47 in 20 postseason games, and was second among Blueshirts defenseman with seven points (two goals, five assists), though he was also minus-5.
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The Rangers blew a 2-0 series lead and lost the best-of-7 conference final to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. Two years later, Miller and the Rangers were back in the East Final, but lost in six games to the Florida Panthers . This time, there were more warts to see in Miller's game,
After his offensive output dipped again, and his defensive game regressed, during New York's stunning fall in the 2024-25 regular season, the Rangers traded Miller to the Hurricanes last summer, one year ahead of his unrestricted free agency.
The Rangers needed some salary cap relief, and, more importantly, didn't appear to believe Miller was worthy of a long-term investment. The Hurricanes saw a player who should fit seamlessly into their fast play style, which focuses on puck possession and shot volume. So, Carolina signed Miller to an eight-year, $60 million contract .
The Hurricanes were right, Miller is an excellent fit playing in coach Rod Brind'Amour's system. Despite a few injuries, Miller totaled 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 72 games, the second-highest total in his career, after the 43 points he picked up with the Rangers in 2022-23.
More importantly, he stepped into a top-pair role for much of the season when Jaccob Slavin missed months of action due to injuries and looked the part of a top-tier defenseman — a level the Rangers didn't believe he could reach. He led the Hurricanes in average TOI (22:24 per game).
Ex-Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller helps Hurricanes to record-setting start in playoffs
Miller's taken it all to another level, so far, in these playoffs. He already helped Carolina become the first team in NHL history to sweep its first two best-of-7 postseason series to reach the conference final with a perfect 8-0 record.
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Miller's done it at both ends of the rink. His six points (all assists) are tied for eighth among NHL defensemen , and his defensive play's been outstanding. His latest point was an assist on Jackson Blake 's second-period goal in Carolina's overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4 on Saturday.
And defense? Just check out this play from Carolina's Game 1 win over the Flyers in the second round.
Miller's been on ice for 10 Carolina goals 5v5 in the 2026 postseason and just one against. His expected goal share is 56.33 percent, per Natural Stat Trick . Scoring chances 5v5 are in Carolina's favor 81-51 with Miller out there in eight playoff games. Yes, the Hurricanes are darlings of the analytics crowd, so factor that in here. But if you watch the games, you know Miller's playing at a consistently higher level than ever before.
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Perhaps he's inspired by becoming a first-time father, since his son was born May 2. Or more likely Miller was on to something months ago when he embraced the more laidback lifestyle in Raleigh as an opportunity to reach the full potential the Rangers first saw in him when they selected the Minnesota native with the 22nd pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Rangers can't be judged completely just yet on K'Andre Miller trade
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Before we absolutely crush the Rangers here, let's admit that many NHL experts and insiders, not to mention Rangers fans, believed that investing in the inconsistent Miller was full of risk. And the trade can't be fully evaluated for years to come.
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The Rangers received a first-round pick in this year's draft, originally belonging to the Dallas Stars , and right now that slots in between picks 23-27, depending on how the second-round of the playoffs play out. New York also received defenseman Scott Morrow , whose first season with the Rangers organization was disappointing, both at the NHL and AHL levels.
There will be a massive hue and cry in The Big Apple should Miller helped the Hurricanes reach the Stanley Cup Final, much less win a championship this spring. That alone would make the trade a big win for the Hurricanes. But let's hold off final judgement until a few years down the road.
What's important here, too, is what lesson the Rangers take out of this as it pertains to Braden Schneider , their 24-year-old restricted free agent defenseman. It's not apples to apples, but there are enough similarities between the two young d-men, each of whom was a lineup regular for several years, but never quite met the high expectations placed on them.
Schneider is two years removed from unrestricted free agency. The Rangers can sign him to a bridge deal this summer, but risk letting him walk in 2028. They could sign Schneider to the long-term contract Miller wasn't offered a year ago. Or the Rangers could trade Schneider as part of the current organizational retool.
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We will find out soon enough. In the meantime, let's see if Miller keeps up his great run with the Hurricanes and accomplishes things that he never did with the Rangers, like win a ring.
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