It’s shaping up to be another busy offseason for the Rangers.
GM Chris Drury discussed young defenseman K’Andre Miller and winger Alexis Lafreniere in trade talks with several teams at last week’s NHL Combine, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
Brooks notes that it’s starting to feel inevitable Miller will be moved at some point this summer, whether it be via a trade or if another club decides put in an offer sheet if he isn’t shipped out of town before July 1.
The 25-year-old is an impending RFA with arbitration rights.
Miller has led the team in even-strength ice time each of the past three seasons, but he struggled mightily on both ends last year -- setting career-worst marks with 97 giveaways and a 0 +/- rating.
If the Rangers do decide to move on from the 25-year-old, Brooks mentions that they could look to flip Lafreniere in a deal for his replacement on the left-side -- an area where the team is currently lacking depth.
The former first overall pick was a topic of “several conversations” at the Combine.
Lafreniere showed flashes of reaching his star potential early on last season, but after signing his seven-year contract extension his play ultimately dipped on both ends of the ice.
He picked up his physicality as he found different ways to contribute, but simply was not good enough all-around -- finishing with just 17 goals, 28 assists, and an ugly -13 rating.
Both players are still young and possess a good amount of upside, which could potentially be tapped into with new head coach Mike Sullivan in town, but they may not receive the opportunity to find out.