The New York Rangers have kicked off their offseason with a bold move, trading longtime veteran and fan favorite Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. In Anaheim, Kreider will reunite with several familiar faces from his Rangers days, including Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. After a deeply disappointing 2024–25 campaign, it’s clear the Rangers need a roster overhaul—and dealing Kreider may be just the beginning. Here are three additional players New York should strongly consider parting ways with this offseason:
1. K’Andre Miller
Miller has the physical attributes of a top-pair NHL defenseman—size, speed, and offensive potential—but his development has plateaued. Defensively, he often struggles with positioning and decision-making under pressure, getting caught out of position and beat in key areas of the ice.
Despite his natural tools, Miller hasn’t made the expected leap offensively either. His point production remains modest, and he’s failed to establish himself as a consistent puck-mover. He also tends to avoid physical play, rarely using his size to his advantage, and often loses battles along the boards.
Though some once blamed Jacob Trouba for his underperformance, Miller’s shortcomings appear more intrinsic. At 25 and approaching restricted free agency on July 1st, it may be best for both parties to seek a fresh start.
2. Mika Zibanejad
Since his arrival in 2016, Zibanejad has been a staple in the Rangers’ lineup, but his recent play has taken a downturn. He’s no longer the reliable two-way center the team counted on, and his full no-movement clause and $8.5 million annual cap hit are major obstacles as New York attempts to retool.
Zibanejad’s 5-on-5 effectiveness has diminished significantly over the past two seasons, and he was part of the Rangers’ power play struggles this year. His 20 goals marked his lowest full-season output with the team since 2016–17, and his -22 rating underscores his defensive decline.
With his offensive impact waning and his current contract running through 2029, Zibanejad’s deal is beginning to weigh down the roster. If he’s open to waiving his no-movement clause, general manager Chris Drury should seriously entertain trade possibilities.
3. Artemi Panarin
Though potentially controversial, trading Artemi Panarin is a move the Rangers should consider. Since signing in 2019, Panarin has been New York’s most consistent offensive force, amassing 550 points in 430 games—including a stellar 120-point campaign last season.
However, his playoff performances have consistently fallen short. With Panarin turning 34 and entering the final year of a deal that carries an $11.6 million cap hit, this may be the ideal time to move on. His value remains high, and a trade could bring in premium assets like multiple first-round picks and elite prospects.
Dealing Panarin would not only provide future building blocks but also free up cap space—money that could address several roster deficiencies, such as depth scoring, defensive reinforcement, or acquiring young talent. While it’s tough to part with a superstar, a bold move like this could position the Rangers for long-term success and a more balanced, playoff-ready roster.
