The New York Rangers ended their 2024–25 season with a 39-36-7 record and missed the playoffs. General Manager Chris Drury is actively working to restructure the roster to meet expectations. The focus is on three players: Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and K’Andre Miller. The Rangers also have a new head coach, Mike Sullivan, following the dismissal of Peter Laviolette.
- Chris Kreider has blocked trade attempts with his 15-team no-trade clause and wants to stay in New York to break the franchise’s second-all-time goal record, despite posting only 30 points in 68 games this season.
- The Rangers are in talks to trade Artemi Panarin back to the Chicago Blackhawks, who need scoring support for Connor Bedard and have the assets to make a deal for the 101-point forward.
- New York offered a first-round pick and a roster player for Buffalo’s JJ Peterka and is actively shopping K’Andre Miller, who is due a raise after a 27-point season and is viewed as a top trade candidate.
Chris Kreider Blocks Trade Efforts Despite Drop in Production
Chris Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause in his contract and does not want to leave New York. He is 11 goals away from becoming the second all-time in goals for the franchise. Kreider scored 22 goals and 8 assists for 30 points in 68 games this season, with a -5 rating. In the previous season, he had 39 goals, 36 assists, 75 points, and a +19 rating over 82 games.
He has 2 years remaining on a contract worth $6.5 million annually. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Kreider has “no interest in leaving” and is motivated to stay and break the team record.
He confirmed this during his exit interview:
“This is home for me. This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to live out my dream. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships and grown up and spent so much time in this area. So, obviously, this is where I want to be and this is the group that I want to help in whatever fashion win hockey games.”
Despite Kreider’s statement, Drury is reportedly seeking to move the contract this summer. Kreider’s inclusion in a league memo earlier this year, along with defenseman Jacob Trouba, as available for trade, confirms that the front office is exploring all options.
Panarin May Be Targeted by Chicago for Return
Artemi Panarin may be involved in trade discussions with the Chicago Blackhawks, his first NHL team. NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Rangers may consider sending Panarin back to Chicago in exchange for assets. Panarin began his career in 2015 with the Blackhawks and won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. He was traded to Columbus in 2017 for Brandon Saad and Anton Forsberg.
Panarin signed with the Rangers in 2019 and has been the team’s leading scorer. In 2023–24, he recorded 39 goals and 62 assists for 101 points, though they have not won a Stanley Cup during his time with the team.
Chicago is rebuilding around Connor Bedard and is looking to add elite scorers. The Blackhawks tried to accelerate their rebuild last summer with veteran players, but Ryan Donato was the only one to reach 30 goals. Three other players scored 20 or more. Chicago lacks consistent offensive production, and Panarin could fill that gap.
Chicago has both the prospects and the cap space to make a deal. While no formal trade offer has been confirmed, Panarin returning to Chicago remains a realistic scenario if Drury decides to reset the roster.
Rangers Consider Trading K’Andre Miller
Defenseman K’Andre Miller is also in trade discussions. The 25-year-old is a pending restricted free agent and coming off a down season with 7 goals, 20 assists, and 27 points in 74 games.
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers are testing the market for Miller.
“It’s not a guarantee, but they are testing the market on Miller,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. “They want to know what it is. But his name is definitely out there.”
Frank Seravalli ranked Miller as the 10th most likely trade candidate this offseason, citing his future salary and the need to restructure the Rangers’ blue line.
One trade pitch, generated via PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, suggested a one-for-one deal: K’Andre Miller to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Jordan Kyrou. Kyrou scored 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points this season. He is entering the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract.
Miller earned $3.872 million this past season. His next contract is expected to include years of unrestricted free agency, which will raise his value.
JJ Peterka Trade Offer Did Not Materialize
The Rangers also made a serious attempt to acquire JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres before the trade deadline. Frank Seravalli revealed that New York was one of “two or three” teams to submit a “bonafide, legitimate offer,” which included a roster player and a first-round pick. The specific roster player has not been identified.
Peterka, 23, had 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points and averaged 18:14 of ice time. Even though it was a strong offer, no deal was reached. The reasons remain unclear, but the Rangers’ interest signals Drury’s willingness to invest significant assets in younger offensive players.
Sullivan Takes Over as Coach, Sets Clear Expectations
Following the missed playoffs, the Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette and hired Mike Sullivan, who won Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. Sullivan made it clear he expects the Rangers to play with structure and discipline.
“I know there’s a lot of talent in the dressing room, but as we all know, talent alone doesn’t win championships. Teams win championships. That’s going to be our challenge from Day 1—becoming a team,” Sullivan said during his introduction.
He also pointed to the value of his previous experience.
“Having the ability to spend a decade with some of the people that I was able to work with there… I just think you take so much from those types of experiences. I hope to bring those experiences here to New York that can help me be a better coach for this group of players.”
