Rangers Seek Flexibility Ahead of NHL Draft
As the NHL Draft approaches, the Rangers are looking to enhance their flexibility for the upcoming season in Los Angeles this Friday.
This appears to be part of a strategic approach, with President and General Manager Chris Drury focused on rectifying last season’s setbacks and reshaping the team’s locker room dynamics.
Drury created additional cap space by trading Chris Kreider to Anaheim and transferring his 12th overall pick to Pittsburgh. Rather than delaying plans until 2026, he’s also factoring in restricted free agent K’Andre Miller into the Rangers’ summer strategy.
The commitment to Miller, now 25, is becoming increasingly evident, positioning him as a significant trade asset as the weekend unfolds with potential flurries of activity around the NHL.
It’s still uncertain whether Drury believes Miller warrants a first-round selection in this draft. It remains to be seen how this will play out.
Eligible for an offer sheet once the free agency window opens on Tuesday, Miller’s projected salary is likely in the range of $6 million to $7.21 million over five years. Should this happen, the Rangers would receive a first-round pick and a third-round selection, which may be valuable given the anticipated depth of the 2026 draft. Depending on how the rest of the league views Miller this offseason, Drury might be inclined to accept this compensation.
After a fluctuating market, Miller’s value has seen a dip since being picked 22nd overall by the Rangers in 2018. If defensemen from the Kings hit free agency, Vladislav Gavrikov emerges as a target for the Rangers.
Ken Holland, the new GM for the Kings, commented that he is working on negotiations with Gavrikov, indicating he has improved on previous offers made by the former GM, Rob Blake.
Gavrikov is expected to command a contract that will likely range from $7 million to $8 million. The Rangers previously dealt with salary cap adjustments following the trade of former captain Jacob Truba and have since added cap space through extensions and acquisitions.
Considering the winds of change, there’s an increasing possibility Braden Schneider may be moved. Schneider had notable offsides last season, and given the injuries to key defensemen Truba and Lindgren, the Rangers’ blue line has recently seen more shifts than usual.
In the wake of his departure, 23-year-old Schneider disclosed that he had undergone surgery due to a long-standing shoulder injury. He missed the season’s final games but is expected to return for training camp.
If the Rangers don’t secure a deal for a first-round pick, they’ll kick off their weekend with hopeful prospects in the second round on Saturday.
While the team needs a center, their options are broad.
Potential late draft selections include left-winger Jack Murtagh, left-handed defender Simon One, and center Mason West. With several alumni from Boston University—Drury, head coach Mike Sullivan, and assistants David Quinn and Joe Sacco—the BU connection is strong. Murtagh is committed to Boston University and is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program.
Haoxi Wang, slated for BU for the 2026-27 season after playing in the Ontario Hockey League, is known for his skating and transition game.
If the Rangers prioritize the center position, West is also a viable NCAA option, with commitments to Michigan, along with Matthew Guard from the Western Hockey League as a potential choice for pick No. 43.
