The Rangers are approaching a pivotal moment regarding J.T. Miller. As the team shifts its focus toward the future, general manager Chris Drury must decide whether Miller is a foundational piece or an obstacle to progress.
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A little over a year after acquiring him, there are signs of regret. In 90 appearances, Miller has posted 27 goals and 50 assists for 77 points-numbers that fall short of expectations. Meanwhile, the team has struggled overall, compiling a 36-44-10 record in games he’s played. Rather than elevating the locker room, he has seemingly become part of the team’s issues.
With the Rangers retooling, some believe this could be the right time to part ways with Miller. A trade appears unlikely due to his contract and no-movement clause, but a buyout remains a possible though significant option. Such a move could open opportunities for younger forwards and support the team’s long-term reset.
Miller is currently in year three of a seven-year, $8 million average annual value contract. Buying him out before the 2026–27 season would require paying roughly 67% of his remaining $23 million salary—about $15 million spread over eight years. This would result in varying cap hits over time, including lower hits in the near term but extended “dead cap” charges into the early 2030s.
At first glance, committing cap space to a player no longer on the roster seems counterproductive, especially during a rebuild. However, with the salary cap expected to rise and minimal immediate extension needs aside from Braden Schneider, the Rangers may have enough flexibility to absorb the hit.
Interestingly, the team’s performance without Miller has been stronger. They hold a 7-5-2 record in his absence, averaging over 3.1 goals per game while allowing just 2.4. More recently, they’ve gone 4-1 in March, scoring 5 goals per game and conceding only 2.6. By contrast, when Miller plays, their scoring drops and goals allowed increase noticeably.
All signs suggest that Miller may not align with the Rangers’ evolving identity. While injuries could be a factor, the stark difference in team performance with and without him points to a deeper fit issue. Ideally, the team would find a trade partner, but given the circumstances, that seems unlikely.
Even if it’s a long shot, Drury and the front office should give serious thought to a buyout. It could be a bold but necessary step toward reshaping the roster and returning the Rangers to contender status.
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