Sean Avery Suggests the Rangers Trade K’Andre Miller Before His Value Diminishes

Former NHL player and current hockey analyst Sean Avery has voiced a bold opinion regarding the New York Rangers, urging the team to trade defenseman K’Andre Miller while the opportunity still exists. Avery, known for his outspoken commentary, believes Miller’s performance has not lived up to expectations, and the Rangers should act swiftly to capitalize on his trade value before it declines.

Miller, a former first-round pick, is in the final season of his two-year, $7.74 million contract. When drafted, the talented defenseman was anticipated to become a cornerstone of the Rangers’ defensive lineup. However, Avery remains skeptical of Miller’s ability to thrive in New York, a market notorious for its

K’Andre Miller

high expectations and intense pressure.

During an appearance on the popular podcast Spittin’ Chiclets, Avery elaborated on his perspective, stating, “As far as K’Andre, you’ve got to move him now. You’ve got to move him now, while he has trade value. It’s not going to work out. He’s not a big-market guy. He doesn’t have the demeanor of someone like Ryan McDonagh. When McDonagh was thrown into the war zone, he quickly transformed into a true warrior. If you’re managing this team and trying to stay competitive, you make the move early.”

Avery emphasized the importance of proactive decision-making, citing the Rangers’ recent trade involving forward Kaapo Kakko as an example. “You move early,” he added. “Drury did a good job with Kakko, getting a third and a sixth-round pick. That’s an absolute steal for a kid like him.”

Avery’s assessment goes beyond Miller’s on-ice capabilities, pointing to his personality as a potential barrier to success in New York. “He’s struggling because he’s not cut out for a big market like New York,” Avery said.

This season, Miller has played in 28 games, recording two goals and four assists for a total of six points. While his stats are not abysmal, they fall short of what the Rangers had hoped for when they signed him.

Avery Advocates for Firing Peter Laviolette

In addition to advocating for a trade involving Miller, Avery has also called for a significant shakeup in the Rangers’ coaching staff, suggesting that head coach Peter Laviolette should be let go immediately.

“I’d fire him today,” Avery said bluntly. “Absolutely. In a big market like New York, you have to make big decisions. The Rangers came so close to the Eastern Conference Finals last year. That level of expectation requires tough calls, and unfortunately, the coach is often the first to go.”

Avery expressed concern about the team’s overall direction and structure, claiming that the system under Laviolette is broken. He specifically criticized the use of iPads on the bench during games, saying, “What do you want to see on the iPad? Your release point? I need you focused on the game, not staring at a screen.”

Laviolette is currently in his second season as the Rangers’ head coach. During his debut season, he led the team to an impressive 55-23-4 record, the best in the NHL. Despite this early success, the Rangers have struggled this season, sitting at a disappointing 16-17-1 and well outside the playoff picture.

Struggles Lead to Key Trades

Faced with a lackluster performance this season, the Rangers’ management has already begun making significant moves to reshape the team. In recent weeks, the team completed two major trades aimed at addressing its struggles.

The first trade involved sending captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Trouba’s departure marked a significant change, given his leadership role within the team.

Head coach Peter Laviolette commented on the decision, saying, “I think our team needs a direction. We’re not playing well right now. When you’re not achieving the success you want, there has to be a shift in direction. This was the decision we felt was necessary.”

The second trade saw former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko dealt to the Seattle Kraken. In return, the Rangers acquired defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick.

These moves signal a clear intent from Rangers management to revamp the team in the face of a challenging season. However, questions remain about whether these trades will be enough to turn things around or if further changes, such as those suggested by Avery, are needed.

A Look at K’Andre Miller’s Future

As discussions about K’Andre Miller’s future intensify, opinions are divided among analysts and fans alike. On one hand, Miller’s physical attributes and raw talent make him an intriguing asset. At 6’4” and 210 pounds, he possesses the size and reach that teams covet in a modern NHL defenseman. Additionally, his ability to skate well for his size has been highlighted as one of his strengths.

On the other hand, critics like Avery argue that Miller has failed to fully develop into the impactful player the Rangers envisioned. While his offensive contributions have been modest, his defensive lapses and inconsistency have drawn scrutiny.

The question now is whether the Rangers should follow Avery’s advice and trade Miller while his value remains relatively high. Such a move could provide the team with additional assets to bolster their roster and address other areas of need. However, it would also mean giving up on a player with untapped potential, which could backfire if Miller realizes his full capabilities with another team.

Challenges in a Big-Market Environment

Avery’s comments about Miller’s demeanor and ability to handle the pressures of a big market like New York shed light on a broader issue faced by many athletes. Playing in a city with passionate fans and relentless media scrutiny can be both a privilege and a burden.

For players like Ryan McDonagh, who Avery referenced as a comparison, the intense environment can serve as motivation to elevate their performance. However, not every athlete thrives under such circumstances. Avery’s assertion that Miller is “not a big-market guy” suggests that the young defenseman might perform better in a less demanding setting.

If the Rangers were to trade Miller, it would be crucial for them to find a destination where he could flourish. A smaller market team with less pressure might provide the ideal environment for Miller to reach his potential.

The Road Ahead for the Rangers

As the Rangers navigate a challenging season, the decisions made in the coming weeks could have significant long-term implications. With the trade deadline approaching, management will need to weigh the benefits and risks of making additional moves.

Trading Miller, as Avery suggests, would be a bold decision that signals a willingness to make tough calls in pursuit of success. However, it would also require careful consideration of the return the Rangers could expect and how it aligns with their vision for the future.

Meanwhile, the team’s struggles under Laviolette’s leadership raise questions about the coaching staff’s ability to guide the Rangers back to contention. While Avery’s call for Laviolette’s dismissal may be controversial, it underscores the urgency for change in a season where expectations have not been met.