The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired defenseman K'Andre Miller from the New York Rangers in a sign-and-trade deal. As part of the trade, Miller has signed an eight-year contract with the Hurricanes worth $60 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $7.5 million.
Miller, 25, was a restricted free agent after concluding his two-year contract. The Rangers were reportedly looking to trade Miller for most of the season, not wanting to commit to him long-term. The move also comes after the Rangers signed veteran Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49-million deal in free agency.
In return for Miller, the Rangers will receive a 2026 first-round pick and a second-round pick in 2026 and prospect Scott Morrow. The first-round pick is top-10 protected and will be the better of Carolina's or Dallas' first-round picks in 2026.
Miller is a product of the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Rangers in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. In 368 career games, Miller has recorded 36 goals and 96 assists for 132 points. He was also named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team in 2021. During the 2022-23 season, Miller had a career-best year, scoring nine goals and 43 points in 79 games with a +12 rating. However, his production dipped in the past two seasons, with 27 points in 74 games in 2024-25.
The Hurricanes have been active this offseason, re-signing Taylor Hall, Frederik Andersen, and Eric Robinson, and extending Logan Stankoven. The acquisition of Miller helps fill the void left by the departure of defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov in free agency. Miller will join a defensive corps that includes Jaccob Slavin, Sean Walker, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Jalen Chatfield, while also allowing prospects Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow to gradually integrate into the NHL.
For the Rangers, the trade signifies a continued reshaping of their blueline. With Miller's departure, Adam Fox is now the only remaining defenseman from their top four at the start of the 2024-25 season. The Rangers will be hoping that Gavrikov can fill the void left by Miller.
Miller is currently recovering from an upper-body injury and may miss part of training camp. However, he is expected to be a key part of the Hurricanes' lineup for years to come.
