The list of Rangers who SHOULD have made good – but didn't – is long and makes for agonizing reading.
But the most disturbing of all is K'Andre Miller who almost was "traded" more times than New Jersey Transit is late.
Miller was a Rangers first round pick (22nd overall) in the 2018 Entry Draft and was projected to be the No. 2 defenseman behind Adam Fox.
"It didn't work out that way," says The old Scout. "Miller's game described a downward spiral. By the time of the 2025 homestretch, the fans and some of the media recognized Miller's problems which is where and when the real trade talk began."
What the Maven wants to know is simply this: Why did K'Andre's game go to pot? My conclusion comes in three parts.
A. COACHES: Miller went from David Quinn, Gerard Gallant and Peter Laviolette in record time and all were fired. K'Andre suffered enough teaching inconsistencies to drive him to distraction. Apparently, defensive coach Phil Housley was no bargain either.
B. THE EPISODE: In February 2023 he received a match penalty for spitting on Kings future Hall of Fame defenseman Drew Doughty. It's only a hunch, mind you, but I suspect that the incident played some part in changing K'Andre's game for the worse.
C. THE AMBIENCE: Apart from coach changes, the team has been riding an emotional roller coaster – from the Presidents' Trophy-winners down to the NHL depths. Miller was drowned in the emotional whirlpool with the team.
K'Andre Miller Expected To Sign Eight-Year, $60 Million Contract With Hurrcianes As Part Of Blockbuster Sign-And-Trade
A sign-and-trade between the New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/" target="_blank">Rangers</a> and Carolina Hurricanes is close to being completed.
Whatever the issue – or issues – the fact remains that Miller had to get out of town before it was too late now.
On the one hand, K's move to Carolina will benefit the Rangers via addition by subtraction.
On the other hand, Drury cashes in – win-win – by unloading a loser while gaining no-doubt-promising draftees and a young defenseman with potential – not named Miller!