If I could summarize the Rangers' season in one word, it would be tense. It started in the offseason when then capitain, Jacob Trouba, was asked to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade to Detroit. Well within his right, also understandable because his wife was finishing her Medical School residency in New York.
The Rangers need a calm offseason, and they are taking active steps to improve their situation. They almost immediately hired Mike Sullivan after he was fired by the Penguins. Sullivan has won two cups and should provide a calming presence in the Rangers' dressing room. However, there is one player who's future is up in the air.
K'Andre Miller
The 2018 first-round pick of the Rangers certainly strikes an imposing figure. At 6 feet 5, 209 pounds, Miller is a giant of a man and has been a presence on the Rangers' blue line since 2020. He has also been severely criticized for his play at times. Most notably, though, he is an RFA with arbitration rights this offseason.
What will the Rangers be willing to pay him? That is an important question that we can answer by considering several factors.
First, the Rangers only have $8 million in available cap space this offseason and have a glaring hole at right wing that needs to be filled. If Miller asks for a $6 million a year extension or more, the Rangers probably will not pay that.
Second, Miller's agent is Ian Pulver, which may mean nothing except for the fact he also represents Barclay Goodrow, a player the Rangers waived this offseason because he was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to San Jose, the team that eventually claimed him. Pulver has made it known he will not do the Rangers any favors.
Lastly, Ranger's star winger Artemi Panarin is due for a contract extension this summer, and he will be paid handsomely. They also have to sign RFAs Matt Rempe and Will Cuylle. It is also worth considering that after the Rangers extended Alexis Lafreniere, his production disappeared like a puff of smoke. Will they be weary of locking themselves into a long-term deal with Miller?
How can the Penguins acquire him?
Since Miller is an RFA, the Penguins can trade for his rights, or they can offer sheet him. The latter option is unlikely for two reasons. First, Miller can accept a qualifying offer of $4.64 million, and I do not see the Penguins giving him an offer sheet any more than that because it would cost a first-round pick if they were to do so. Second, the Rangers can match any offer given, in essence the Penguins would be negotiating for the Rangers.
Trade
Couple caveats here. First, the Penguins would then sign Miller to an extension, I would offer a 5-year, $6.5 million AAV deal. This would be a mini-bridge deal, when Miller is UFA elegible at the age of 30, if he really capitalizes and learns how to put all his tools in a tool box, he can be in for a massive payday.
The Second caveat is that I would only make this trade if the Rangers decide to give the Penguins their 2025 first (12th overall). I 100% believe the Rangers will opt to have their first for 2026 because if the bottom falls out like it did this year, giving the Pens an unprotected 2026 first is dangerous. Additionally, if the Rangers are good, they would want that pick for potential trade usage at the deadline.
Miller is a polarizing figure in New York, but there is no denying he logs a lot of minutes. The Penguins desperately need help at defense and I think Miller would be a welcome addition.