The New York Rangers are expected to make a blockbuster trade for a player with 100 points.
The New York Rangers have completely collapsed. They are currently five points outside of the playoffs and are ranked 27th in the league. With standout goalie Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve, they have lost 15 of their last 20 games, and it doesn’t appear that this will change very soon.
Reuniting with star center JT Miller appears to be a top priority for the Rangers. According to reports, Miller and Elias Pettersson, another Vancouver Canucks player, are at odds, and it looks like Vancouver might have to get over one of them sooner rather than later.
Why it might be effective
JT Miller, who has scored 664 points in 827 NHL games, would undoubtedly help New York’s attack. Last year, in the 2023–24 season, he scored 103 points, which was his career high. Forty of those points were scored during the powerplay, which would significantly boost New York’s 17.8% successful powerplay, which is now ranked 23rd. According to reports, Miller would be prepared to forgo his entire no-movement clause in order to join the Rangers.
Why it wouldn’t function
Well, not all of New York’s issues would be resolved by JT Miller. Miller isn’t exactly known for having a strong defensive game, and the Rangers are suffering greatly as a result of their subpar defensive play. Although his scoring assistance would be greatly valued, New York does not currently have a great need for it. In addition, he is 31 years old and will earn $8 million annually until 2030. Fitting his contract into an already subpar wage cap scenario would be challenging. Miller would become yet another aging star on a long-term contract even if the Rangers were able to do it.
How much it would cost
JT Miller has scored more than 100 points in a season and has a track record of scoring 30 goals. Miller won’t be cheap, even if Vancouver wants to move him. At the absolute least, New York would likely have to trade a first-round selection, another solid roster player, and a talented young player like Braden Schneider back the other way. Although Mika Zibanejad has a complete no-movement clause and would have no reason to waive it, I’m sure the Rangers would love to include the underperforming player in this transaction.
