The J.T. Miller trade situation continues to create uncertainty for the New York Rangers as the NHL draft approaches. With the Rangers holding the 12th overall pick, the decision looms on whether to keep this pick or to send it to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the pact made back in January, in which the Rangers traded their 2025 first-round pick to obtain Miller.
Having missed the playoffs last season, the Rangers secured the No. 12 pick in the draft lottery, providing general manager Chris Drury with the option to keep it and instead give up an unprotected first-round pick for 2026. This decision must be made by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, just 48 hours prior to the draft itself, and as of now, no clear indication of an outcome has emerged.
Analyzing the situation, there are compelling arguments on both sides. Keeping the No. 12 pick could significantly enhance the Rangers’ prospect pipeline, which is currently rated mid-tier. Selecting a player at this spot could mean adding one of the team’s top prospects, with historical examples showing that good players can be found at the 12th pick, such as Noah Dobson and Matthew Boldy in recent drafts. If the Rangers make a wise choice, it could result in a valuable NHL contributor and potentially a foundational player for the future.
Conversely, trading the 2026 first-round pick could leave the Rangers with limited options in future drafts as they would then only have lower-round picks available. Additionally, if the Rangers’ veteran core, including players like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, does not perform as expected, there’s a chance that the 2026 draft pick could end up being more valuable if it falls earlier in the draft.
Another angle to consider is the relative strength of upcoming drafts. Analysts suggest that while the 2026 draft may be deeper overall, it may not contain a standout player as promising as those available in the 2025 draft. If the Rangers can return to the playoffs next season, their 2026 pick would likely be less favorable, underscoring the potential benefits of making the current selection.
At the same time, keeping the 2025 pick allows the Rangers to secure a player who may be NHL-ready sooner. On the flip side, retaining the 2026 first-round pick could provide Drury with more flexibility in future player negotiations, particularly regarding offer sheets for restricted free agents.
With the deadline approaching, the Rangers find themselves at a crossroads that could significantly impact their competitive future. As discussions heat up regarding the best course of action, fans and analysts alike await the decision with anticipation, hopeful for a move that positions the team for success in the seasons to come.