The New York Rangers are expected to continue their resurgence in 2025, but they will likely part ways with a few players along the way.
Does anyone have a clue what the Rangers’ roster will look like after the 4 Nations Face-Off break? I certainly don’t, but one thing I do know is that general manager Chris Drury will make some moves before the NHL trade deadline, leading to several players departing Manhattan.
Will fans miss any of them? Perhaps one, but if these trades ultimately strengthen the team, most supporters won’t dwell on the losses.
So, which players are unlikely to remain with the Blueshirts once the deadline passes? I’m confident the following three have already played—or are about to play—their final games as Rangers.
3. Chris Kreider
I’ve criticized Chris Kreider throughout the season, but this time, it feels final. His performance in 2024-25 has been a shadow of his former self, and if the Rangers want to get solid value for him, they need to act now.
With 20 points (16 goals, four assists) in 47 games, his goal-scoring remains respectable, but his shooting percentage has dipped slightly. More concerning, he hasn’t been effective in setting up his linemates, and with two-thirds of the season gone, there’s little reason to believe that will change.
If Kreider had shown any flashes of playmaking ability, there might be a case for keeping him, but that hasn’t happened. Other teams still recognize his potential, so the Rangers should capitalize while they can, securing more compensation than he might truly be worth. Championship contenders will take the risk, and at this point, New York may be ready to say, “He’s your problem now.”
2. K’Andre Miller
K’Andre Miller possesses traits that playoff-bound teams covet, and rumors suggest he could be nearing the end of his time with the Rangers.
His production has taken a hit this season, with just four goals and 13 points in 49 games. This decline follows a 30-point campaign last year, which was already a step down from the 43 points he recorded in 2022-23.
Despite the drop in offensive output, Miller remains a big-bodied, physical defenseman—an asset for teams seeking an edge on the blue line, particularly as the season heads into its physical, high-intensity stretch. While he could serve that role for the Rangers, he’s starting to look like the odd man out.
The likely scenario? Miller lands with a contender that needs a young defenseman for a playoff push, and in return, the Rangers acquire a blueliner who offers more consistency. It’s disappointing given Miller’s potential, but if he’s stagnating, is there really a reason to keep him past March 7th?
1. Kaapo Kakko
Surprised to see Kaapo Kakko on this list? Didn’t he already join the Seattle Kraken? Well, take a closer look at the headline—I said “won’t return after the 2025 trade deadline” for a reason.
Players sometimes get traded before the deadline and later make their way back to their original teams. Could that be the case with Kakko? Possibly, but not this season.
While he never fully blossomed into a breakout star, Kakko showed some promise in his final 30 games with the Rangers, posting 14 points (four goals) and maintaining an 8.9 shooting percentage. He also logged shots on goal and won 50% of his faceoffs when called upon.
Since joining the Kraken, he has 17 points (five goals) in 24 games on a struggling Seattle squad, proving he can contribute. However, while a reunion with New York isn’t entirely out of the question down the road, it’s unlikely to happen this season.