NHL analyst and former player Sean Avery has advised the New York Rangers to trade defenseman K’Andre Miller while he still holds trade value.
Miller, currently in the final year of his two-year, $7.74 million contract, was expected to be a significant defensive asset for the team. However, Avery believes Miller hasn’t lived up to expectations and suggests the Rangers act swiftly to move him.
“You’ve got to move him now, while he still has value,” Avery said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. “It’s not going to work out. He’s not built for a big market. He doesn’t have the demeanor of someone like Ryan McDonagh, who thrives under pressure and becomes a warrior in tough situations. If you’re managing this team, you make the move now.”
Avery emphasized the importance of being proactive, praising Rangers GM Chris Drury for trading Kaapo Kakko for a third and a sixth-round pick. “That was a steal,” Avery added.
According to Avery, Miller’s struggles stem from his inability to handle the pressures of playing in a major market like New York. So far this season, Miller has played 28 games, tallying 2 goals and 4 assists for a total of 6 points.
Avery Calls For Rangers to Fire Peter Laviolette
Sean Avery also believes the New York Rangers should fire head coach Peter Laviolette, arguing that drastic changes are necessary for the team to regain its footing.
“I’d fire him today,” Avery said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. “In a big market like New York, coming that close to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, you’ve got to act. That’s just how it works. Unfortunately, the coach is the first to go. But then it gets concerning—who goes next? Who do you bring in? The whole system is broken.”
Avery criticized the team’s reliance on in-game technology, such as using iPads on the bench, suggesting it distracts players from focusing on the game. “What do you want to see? Your release point on that play? I need you engaged in the game.”
Laviolette, now in his second season as the Rangers’ head coach, led the team to an impressive 55-23-4 record in his first season—the best in the NHL. However, this season, the Rangers have struggled, sitting at 16-17-1 and well outside the playoff picture.
Rangers Make 2 Trades
Facing ongoing struggles, the New York Rangers have made two significant trades in an effort to change the team’s trajectory.
The Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, receiving defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft in return. Head coach Peter Laviolette commented on the decision, stating, “I think our team needs a direction. We’re not playing well right now. When you’re not seeing the success you want, there has to be a shift. This was the decision.”
In another move, the Rangers sent former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. In exchange, they acquired defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third-round and sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
New York is scheduled to return to action on December 28, facing the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road.
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