Most hockey experts and fans agree that the New York Rangers are not done wheeling and dealing after trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks last week. So who's most likely to be moved next by the Rangers ?
Forever Blueshirts asked fans that exact question in a recent poll on social media. And there was one overwhelming choice by the nearly 1,000 people who responded.
Defenseman K'Andre Miller received a whopping 78.3 percent of the vote. Whether that's a reflection of recent rumors , his actual trade value, or the fans' collective wish that he be dealt, this poll clearly showed that it would actually be a surprise if Miller is back on Broadway next season.
Interestingly, veteran center Mika Zibanejad finished second — albeit a distant second — with 15 percent of the vote, despite his wife trying to quiet the trade-rumors noise when she disclosed that Rangers coach Mike Sullivan visited the couple in Sweden recently.
Leading scorer Artemi Panarin and former first-overall draft pick Alexis Lafreniere also received votes.
"Moving Mika and K Miller would a huge move in the right direction," Pete McCormick commented. "Keep Panarin until the trade deadline, depending on where they are at that point, for a decent haul. Give Lafreniere one more year under 'Sully' to see if he can live up to his expectations."
Related: Why NHL podcaster believes Rangers are closer to winning Stanley Cup than Oilers
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General manager Chris Drury may not have a bigger nor more complex and important decision to make this offseason than whether to trade Miller or sign him to a lucrative contract extension. The inconsistent 25-year-old defenseman is a polarizing player, so perhaps it's no surprise that he led this fan vote by such a wide margin.
Miller is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, so is due a healthy raise after being a top-four mainstay on the blue line for several years. However, his numerous positive attributes, including a 43-point season in 2022-23, are offset by a questionable hockey IQ, some horrendous decision making on the ice, and declining production (27 points this season).
Though the Rangers are close to the salary cap , money isn't the biggest issue with Miller. The Rangers are more concerned about the length of a potential contract. Simply, they're leery about investing long-term in this player.
The thing is, Miller's impressive skill set is intriguing to other teams, who could believe that the former first-round pick may just need a fresh start or a chance to thrive under their own coaching staff. It's widely believed the Rangers could land a sizeable return if they trade Miller, even as his departure would create a big hole on the defense corps.
"Miller's got to go, turnover machine, shy's (sic) away from contact and shot blocking is non existent. Dump em," Stephen Cummins emphatically responded in the poll.
The people have spoken, and it's not even close. They believe Miller will be the next Rangers player traded this offseason.
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Though Miller dominated the fan vote, Zibanejad still pulled 15 percent of the response. Zibanejad's been included in trade speculation throughout the offseason — not necessarily because the Rangers are actively shopping him, but because of the major role he played in this past season's debacle, when the Rangers underperformed and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four years.
Zibanejad still brings plenty of upside as a top-six center or right wing, but his questionable effort this past season, mopey demeanor, and declining production (62 points last season) heightened trade speculation. However, Zibanejad was adamant he would not waive his full no-move clause to facilitate a trade when speaking to the media at breakup day. He absolutely wants to remain in New York, and has the means in his contract to stay.
So, even though many fans want and/or expect Zibanejad to be traded, all signs say the 32-year-old will remain an integral part of the core moving forward.
"I'm hoping we trade KM and MZ. I don't wanna see Lafreniere moved. Might as well keep Panarin, and see how he does. If we're outta the playoff picture, trade him at the deadline," Chris Semsey shared. "I feel like we'll have a decent amount of cap space without trading Lafreniere, so long as Mika gets moved."
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While Miller and Zibanejad were at the center of fan speculation, Lafreniere and Panarin barely registered on the poll, combining for less than seven percent of the vote, despite being listed as options. It should also be noted that other players, such as defenseman Zac Jones , were not listed as options, but still could be traded this summer.
There's been some trade chatter about Lafreniere, but nothing of real substance. After a breakout season in 2023-24 when he posted 28 goals and 57 points, he took a step back this past season with 17 goals and 45 points. Lafreniere will be 24 next season and it's likely Sullivan will want to work with the former top overall pick to bring out the best in him.
As for Panarin, there's virtually no trade rumors. Panarin remains one of the few true untouchables on the Rangers roster, considering his massive contract, full no-move clause, and elite production. Many who took part in the poll did suggest moving him ahead of the trade deadline, especially if the Rangers are not in a good spot and don't plan on re-signing the pending UFA.
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