Following their second appearance in the Eastern Conference Final in three seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to bolster their roster by acquiring defenseman K`Andre Miller from the New York Rangers.
The trade, finalized recently, saw the Rangers receive a conditional first-round pick in 2026 (top 10 protected), a second-round pick in 2026, and defenseman Scott Morrow. In return, the Hurricanes acquired Miller, who was a restricted free agent. Miller promptly signed an eight-year contract with Carolina carrying an average annual value of $7.5 million.
Reports indicate the deal was structured as a sign-and-trade, following the Hurricanes expressing interest in potentially signing Miller to an offer sheet.
Miller completed his fourth season with the Rangers, tallying 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) across 74 games. The 25-year-old`s most productive season came in 2022-23, when he posted 43 points (nine goals, 34 assists) in 79 games. His offensive production has seen a decline over the past two seasons.
Miller became available after the Rangers signed former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract. Gavrikov is expected to partner with Adam Fox, forming New York`s top defensive pairing.
Let`s break down what each team gained and how Miller fits into the Hurricanes` lineup.
Trade Details
Hurricanes Receive:
- K`Andre Miller (D)
Rangers Receive:
- Conditional 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- Scott Morrow (D)
Trade Grades
Carolina Hurricanes
With defensemen like Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns potentially departing in free agency, the Hurricanes needed to address their blue line. The acquisition of Miller represents a major addition and significantly lowers the average age of their defensive corps.
While Miller`s performance has dipped slightly in recent seasons, he possesses considerable potential at just 25 years old, entering the prime phase of his career with relatively little wear and tear.
Miller is a two-way defenseman known for his strong skating and powerful shot. He`s willing to join the offensive rush and put the puck on net. Although he hasn`t yet reached double-digit goals in a season, the possibility remains given his offensive tools.
A key benefit for Miller in Carolina is that he won`t be immediately thrust into a top-pairing role. Jaccob Slavin already anchors the left side as one of the league`s premier defensemen. Miller is likely to slot into the second pairing, potentially alongside Jalen Chatfield or Shayne Gostisbehere.
Carolina is betting on Miller regaining his form from before the 2023-24 season, which carries some risk, especially with a $7.5 million annual cap hit. While the upside for him to become a dominant force again is clear, it remains to be seen if he can achieve it. Grade: B-
New York Rangers
Coming off a season where they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four years, the Rangers` general manager Chris Drury was expected to make roster adjustments.
After a career-best 43 points in 2022-23, Miller`s production dropped, accumulating only 57 points over the subsequent two seasons combined. The Rangers were reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term contract with Miller, leading to this trade.
Scott Morrow is the sole player the Rangers acquired. Morrow has limited NHL experience with just 16 games played, most of which came in the 2024-25 season. He was projected as a third-pairing defenseman in Carolina and would likely fill a similar role for New York depending on their other offseason moves.
Morrow is a right-handed shot defenseman praised for his skating ability and offensive capabilities. At minimum, the Rangers acquired a depth blue-liner in the deal.
Receiving a first and second-round draft pick for a player who didn`t fit into their long-term plans is a respectable return. While the full value of the trade won`t be known until those picks are made, it`s certainly a solid haul for New York. Grade: B+
