New York Analyst: Rangers Reportedly Working on Two Big Moves Behind the Scenes

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 3:38 PM ET

The New York Rangers are looking to turn things around after a poor 2024/25 campaign, and now they've got two key blue line moves in mind as they look to re-tool this team for a Stanley Cup Playoffs run in 2026.

Despite heading into 2024/25 as Stanley Cup contenders, the New York Rangers missed the post-season all together, and now, they're looking to make some more changes this off-season.

Already the team followed up several deadline deals by moving Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, and now, according to top Rangers reporter Vince Mercogliano, they've got two key moves in mind to boost their blue line stock.

According to Mercogliano, the team have hopes of trading defenseman K'Andre Miller ahead of free agency, and on July 1st, they'll look to replace him with talented blue liner Vladislav Gavrikov, who spent 2024/25 with the Los Angeles Kings.

As mentioned in the report, the Rangers are aware of Miller's high ceiling, but they ultimately prefer Gavrikov's high floor as a player, and given their need for consistency and stability on the back end, it's a replacement that makes sense.

Last season, Gavrikov played in all 82 games, putting up 5 goals and 30 points with an amazing +26 differential in that time, making him the perfect addition to this blue line as the team look to re-tool on the fly under new Head Coach Mike Sullivan.

With the team giving up the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, they aren't likely to make any blockbuster additions via trade this summer, but will instead look to free agency, and in Gavrikov, they've got the perfect replacement for Miller, who could be traded before the draft this week.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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