The Texas Rangers had a whirlwind first day of free agency on July 1, 2025, making significant moves to reshape their roster. The day was marked by a massive trade, a big free agent signing, and the re-signing of a key player. By the end of the day, the Rangers had revamped their blue line, solidified a core player, and added depth to their AHL affiliate.
One of the biggest moves of the day was the acquisition of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who was signed to a seven-year contract. This signing addresses a key need for the Rangers, adding a top-tier defenseman to pair with Adam Fox, potentially creating one of the best defensive duos in the league.
To acquire valuable assets, the Rangers traded K'Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. In return, the Rangers received right-shot defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick in 2026, and a second-round pick in 2026. Morrow was Carolina's top-ranked prospect, making this a significant acquisition for the Rangers' future. The Hurricanes promptly signed Miller to an eight-year, $60 million contract.
The Rangers also took care of some internal business, re-signing forward Will Cuylle to a two-year, $3.9 million contract extension. Cuylle, a restricted free agent, was a potential offer sheet target, so re-signing him was a priority for the Rangers. In addition to these major moves, the Rangers also added depth by signing AHL forward Justin Dowling and AHL defenseman Derrick Pouliot to two-year contracts. They further added to their forward depth by signing right wing Taylor Raddysh to a two-year, $1.5 million contract.
While these moves have addressed some key areas, the Rangers still have work to do, particularly in solidifying their top-nine forwards. The Rangers also traded veteran Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks to create cap space. With the salary cap expected to rise significantly in the coming years and Artemi Panarin's large contract coming off the books, the Rangers may be positioning themselves for a potential pursuit of top free agents in the future.
Overall, the first day of free agency was a busy and productive one for the Rangers. The acquisition of Gavrikov and Morrow, combined with the re-signing of Cuylle, has significantly strengthened the team's roster. While there is still work to be done, the Rangers have taken a significant step forward in their quest to become a top contender.
