NHL trade rumors: Rangers could move K’Andre Miller to land $56 million defenseman

The New York Rangers are reportedly targeting LA Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov as one of their top priorities ahead of the 2025 NHL free agency period, set to begin on July 1. According to multiple reports, there is mutual interest between Gavrikov and the Rangers, with the 29-year-old defenseman including New York on his shortlist of preferred destinations, if he chooses not to re-sign with the Kings.Gavrikov is coming off a career-best NHL season, recording 5 goals and 30 points across all 82 games, with a +26 rating that reflects his strong two-way impact on the ice. Logging over 20 minutes of ice time per night, the 29-year-old Russian defenseman has built a reputation for elite shutdown ability and dependable defensive play, exactly the kind of stabilizing force the Rangers need after their late-season collapse.Despite finishing the regular season atop the standings with the President’s Trophy, New York missed the playoffs entirely. That collapse has accelerated their roster shake-up.However, signing Gavrikov won’t be easy. He's expected to command a seven-year contract worth around $8 million annually, a deal that would strain the New York Rangers’ 2025-26 NHL salary cap situation and restrict their ability to add depth or sign other key free agents, given their $13.1 million in available cap space.To make the deal feasible, New York may need to trade RFA defenseman K’Andre Miller, who has drawn strong trade interest from across the league. Moving Miller would not only create cap room but also allow Gavrikov to take over the top left-side defenseman role.Chris Kreider, drafted 19th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft, was the longest-tenured player on the Rangers. In return, New York received forward prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, sending Kreider and a fourth-rounder to Anaheim.Despite a decline in production, Kreider still managed 30 points (22 goals, 8 assists) in 66 regular-season games.While Gavrikov’s skill set aligns with the Rangers’ needs, concerns linger over the risks of a long-term contract. At 29, a seven-year deal would take him into his mid-30s, raising red flags given the team’s existing long-term investments on defense.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s next move in doubt as wife Lauren Kyle’s 2026 Olympic venture takes over EdmontonFor a franchise determined to rebound quickly, Gavrikov could be the cornerstone of a blue-line revival in New York.