New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller likely won’t be thrilled about Buffalo Sabres forward Jordan Greenway’s anticipated return from injury on Feb. 22, when the teams face off following the 4 Nations Face-off break.
That is, unless Greenway is suiting up as Miller’s teammate.
The towering 6-foot-6, 230-pound Greenway sidelined the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Miller with a hard hit on Dec. 11 during a 3-2 Rangers win, landing him on injured reserve for six games—the only ones he’s missed all season.
Physical, punishing hits are a hallmark of Greenway’s game, and few teams would appreciate that more than the Rangers, who could benefit from acquiring the upstate New York native before the March 7 trade deadline.
Jordan Greenway brings size, strength, attitude Rangers seek
Greenway is big, tough, and relentless. He battles in the corners, agitates opponents, and holds his ground in front of the net. Adding him would be another step in the Rangers’ push to become a more physical, hard-nosed team. They’ve already rebuilt their imposing fourth line—though Adam Edström is sidelined for 2.5 to 3.5 months—acquired defenseman Will Borgen, and made a blockbuster trade for power forward J.T. Miller from the Canucks on Jan. 31.
The best part? Greenway should be relatively affordable.
The winger has been out since Dec. 15 after undergoing surgery for a mid-body injury, but he’s progressing well. The Sabres are targeting their first game after the two-week tournament break for his return.
With Buffalo once again languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they’re likely to make moves before the trade deadline. Greenway, a 27-year-old with an expiring contract, is a prime trade candidate. The Rangers should use this downtime to explore his availability.
Other contenders may have interest, but Greenway’s $3 million cap hit could be a hurdle for teams already pressed against the cap. That’s not an issue for the Rangers, who project to have over $16 million in deadline cap space, allowing them to take on Greenway’s contract while still making additional upgrades.
Given that, should the Rangers act early rather than waiting until the deadline? Moving swiftly for Greenway seems logical. He’s coming off a serious injury and isn’t a major offensive producer—never surpassing 12 goals in a season—which could limit his market. Plus, his cap hit might make him an impractical rental for most teams.
With their financial flexibility, the Rangers can take a chance on Greenway, who could rotate between the third and fourth lines, particularly with Edström likely out for much of the regular season. If healthy, Greenway would bring the grit and net-front presence the Rangers need, even if only as a temporary replacement for the 6-foot-7, 234-pound Edström.
Jimmy Vesey was bumped up to the top line against Columbus on Saturday but has primarily filled in for Edström. Greenway would bring a different dynamic if he were to take that spot.
And the Rangers desperately need someone who can get to the net. Their inconsistency and struggles to generate high-danger chances were glaring in Friday’s frustrating 3-2 loss to the Penguins. True to their up-and-down nature, they rebounded with a crucial 4-3 win over the Blue Jackets the following night, helping their playoff positioning in the tight Eastern Conference race.
It was, fittingly, rugged, straight-line forward Will Cuylle who came up big, setting up the game-tying goal in the third period and scoring the winner late in regulation.
Rangers could acquire Jordan Greenway on the cheap, with little downside
Few players in the NHL can keep Greenway away from the net. If he’s unable to play his usual physical game due to his injury or continues the inconsistency that has marked his time with the Sabres and Wild, the Rangers could simply move on—assuming they don’t overpay to acquire him. Fortunately, Greenway likely wouldn’t cost more than a mid-round draft pick or a marginal prospect, especially if the Rangers act early.
General manager Chris Drury has shown a willingness to make pre-deadline moves before, trading for Vladimir Tarasenko more than three weeks ahead of the deadline and acquiring Patrick Kane shortly before it. This season, he’s already been aggressive, pulling off three major trades, including the blockbuster deal for J.T. Miller.
Now, with the heavy lifting done, Greenway represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward pickup Drury might target. The Rangers haven’t looked like a true Stanley Cup contender in 2024-25, and with a playoff spot still uncertain, it’s unlikely Drury will sacrifice top young assets for a high-end rental.
But Greenway could help solidify their postseason push. Despite their inconsistency, the Rangers have gone 11-5-3 since the start of 2025, with Edström’s strong play before his injury, Matt Rempe’s return to a regular fourth-line role, and the additions of physical players like Will Borgen and J.T. Miller playing a significant role.
Greenway would fit seamlessly into that identity. He’s big, mean, and plays with an edge—something the Rangers have lacked in recent seasons, especially in the playoffs. Their offense remains too reliant on perimeter play and finesse, making it difficult to sustain pressure. Greenway would give them a much-needed physical presence, someone who can battle in the tough areas and enforce a grittier style of play.
Few teams have the flexibility to take a chance on an injured player with little downside. The Rangers do—and they shouldn’t hesitate to make a move for Greenway.