The thought of the Hurricanes and the Rangers helping each other is not something either fan base loves that much. However, the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" sentiment led to a big trade between the two sides once free agency began on Tuesday.
The Rangers announced they'd signed free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract, bringing into question what K'Andre Miller's future with the Rangers would be. The pending restricted free agent needed a new contract, making this signing a likely death knell to his time in the Big Apple. Enter the Carolina Hurricanes.
The deal took a while to materialize, but it finally came to fruition after hours of radio silence. Once the dust settled, Miller became a Carolina Hurricane. Miller signed an eight-year, $60 million deal with the Rangers before a sign-and-trade was completed. The Canes sent Scott Morrow, a conditional 2026 1st, and a 2026 2nd to the Rangers.
Drafted 22nd overall in 2018 by the Rangers, Miller broke into the league during the shortened 2020-21 season. He finished 12th in Calder Trophy voting and was named to the All-Rookie team. His breakout came two years later, scoring nine goals and 43 points in 79 games in 2022-23. His point production has gone down, but he managed to stay an even +/- player on a rough Rangers team.
What does this mean for the left side of the Hurricanes' defense?
With the addition of K'Andre Miller, the Hurricanes have a loaded left side of the defense. The group features Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere, rookie Alexander Nikishin, and newly signed Mike Reilly. On paper, that's one of the best groups in the league. Adding Miller to the mix only makes them stronger. He's an excellent addition on the penalty kill, too.
With five NHL-quality left-handed defensemen, does this mean the Canes might move Slavin to his off-side? For the last few seasons, Slavin and Brent Burns were a formidable pair. Slavin has often been paired with an offensive defenseman. Dougie Hamilton, Tony DeAngelo, and Burns are all right-handed shots. Miller is left-handed. Could we see Slavin on the right side next season?
Miller can do a little bit of everything. He can put up points. He can play shut-down defense at times. He can lay the body. He can do almost anything the team needs him to do. With a fresh start and a new contract, Miller has a chance to find the next level with one of the best defensive groups in the NHL. There might be a learning curve, but this could be a great move by the Hurricanes.