New York Rangers General Manager Chris Drury faces a critical juncture this offseason as he navigates the contract situations and potential trade scenarios surrounding two key young players: K'Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere. The situation evokes memories of the Vladislav Buchnevich trade, a move that continues to be debated by Rangers fans. Avoiding a similar outcome with Miller and Lafreniere will be paramount for Drury as he aims to build a Stanley Cup contender.
The Rangers' cap situation is a significant factor. While the NHL salary cap is projected to increase to $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season, the Rangers already have a substantial amount committed to existing players. This leaves limited space to maneuver, especially with Miller, a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights, needing a new contract. Lafreniere, on the other hand, is signed to a seven-year contract with a $7.45 million average annual value (AAV).
K'Andre Miller's situation is particularly pressing. Recent reports suggest that Drury has discussed Miller in trade talks with other teams. Larry Brooks of the New York Post has even stated that it seems "inevitable" that Miller will be moved, either via trade or through an offer sheet from another team. Miller, who has led the team in even-strength ice time for the past three seasons, is coming off a disappointing year, marked by career-worst numbers in giveaways and plus/minus rating. Trading Miller would create a void on the left side of the defense, potentially forcing the Rangers to overpay for a replacement via free agency.
Alexis Lafreniere's name has also surfaced in trade rumors. Despite signing a long-term contract, reports indicate that Drury discussed Lafreniere with other teams at the NHL Combine. While Lafreniere has shown flashes of brilliance, his performance has been inconsistent. After signing his contract extension, his play dipped, and he finished the season with modest offensive numbers and a poor plus/minus rating. Some observers believe his $7.45 million cap hit could become an obstacle for Drury's trade plans.
The Buchnevich trade serves as a cautionary tale. In the 2021 offseason, the Rangers traded Buchnevich to the St. Louis Blues for Sammy Blais and a second-round pick. At the time, Buchnevich was a productive player, but the Rangers were facing a cap crunch and needed to shed salary. Buchnevich has since blossomed into a star in St. Louis, consistently scoring at a high rate. The Rangers, meanwhile, have not adequately replaced his offensive output.
Drury must learn from the Buchnevich situation and carefully consider the potential long-term consequences of trading either Miller or Lafreniere. Both players are still young and possess significant upside. A change of scenery and a new coaching staff under Mike Sullivan might unlock their full potential. Rushing to trade either player to alleviate short-term cap pressures could backfire if they develop into stars elsewhere.
Several factors should guide Drury's decision-making. First, he needs to accurately assess the true value of Miller and Lafreniere. Are their struggles indicative of fundamental flaws in their game, or are they simply in need of a better environment to thrive? Second, Drury must explore all potential trade options to ensure that the Rangers receive fair value in return. Settling for a package of underperforming players or late-round draft picks would be a mistake. Third, Drury needs to consider the long-term implications of trading either player on the Rangers' roster composition and future competitiveness.
Ultimately, Drury's handling of the Miller and Lafreniere situations will be a defining moment in his tenure as Rangers General Manager. By carefully weighing all the factors and avoiding the mistakes of the past, he can ensure that the Rangers do not repeat the Buchnevich debacle and instead position themselves for sustained success.
