The New York Rangers and defenseman K’Andre Miller have agreed to a two-year contract that will approximately be worth $4 million AAV, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old blueliner was a restricted free agent this summer, coming off his finest season yet in his young professional career. Posting a career-high 21:57 ATOI, Miller recorded new highs with nine goals, 34 assists, and 43 points.
As one of the brighter young defensemen in the game, this provides a proper bridge deal before what is expected to be a sizable payday for what will be a 25-year-old that should be entering the prime of his career.
“Thankfully, I have an agent right now,” Miller said of his future with the Rangers during his exit interview in early May. “So let him go to do his job there and I’ll try to just do my job and focus on hockey, get in the gym again, and get back feeling good for next year.”
Miller’s signature continues a busy offseason that has brought its fair share of change. Veteran forward Blake Wheeler was brought on for wing depth — likely on the second line — while the futures of unrestricted free agents Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane appear uncertain on Broadway.
Three-time Stanley Cup champion goalie Jonathan Quick was also signed to back up Igor Shesterkin.
The Rangers still have to work out a deal with 2020 No. 1 pick Alexis Lafreniere, who is also an unrestricted free agent. The 21-year-old has struggled to find his footing at the NHL level, scoring just 16 goals last season under former head coach Gerard Gallant.
New bench boss Peter Laviolette will try to find a new gear for him and Kaapo Kakko.
“They have to be given the opportunity to be counted on more,” Laviolette said. “You’re talking about a couple players who are coming off maybe their best years and they’re still really young players. There’s a growth that goes with that. You certainly would like to see them take the next step, more minutes, maybe a little higher up in the lineup, maybe more power-play time.
“With that, there has to be opportunity. Those opportunities will be there for them to grab that ice time and to push.”
