Earlier this month, the New York Rangers delivered yet another letter to their fan base explaining that they are on the verge of big changes within the organization, and part of those changes will involve moving on from several players who have played key roles in their recent successes.
While there is plenty of smoke surrounding the futures of players like Artemi Panarin, Braden Schneider, and Vincent Trocheck, one player that appears safe – at least, in the mind of one noted NHL Insider – is team captain J.T. Miller.
In the mind of Pierre LeBrun, Miller doesn’t appear to be included in any potential future plans of Drury to be dealt from the team amidst their disappointing season.
“Drury met with all the players individually who have no-move clauses,” TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun explained Tuesday on Insider Trading. “Among those players is Artemi Panarin, but J.T. Miller, the captain, his name is already out there, and I’m not quite sure why.
“What I was told today is that Miller has no intention of waiving his no-move clause, and the Rangers have no intention of going to him and asking to waive it. They traded for him last year, they made him captain, and they still believe in the reasons why they made that move. Miller should not be part of whatever exodus of players leaves New York.
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New York Rangers GM Chris Drury Explained Their Upcoming Mindset To Fans
Amidst their second straight disappointing season, Drury sent a letter to Rangers fans informing them to expect moves in the near future.
“We know and feel your disappointment with how the season has gone to this point,” the statement began. “We are just as frustrated and want nothing more than to deliver an on-ice product you can be proud of — it’s what drives us every day. No one in the organization is happy with what has transpired — from management, to coaches, to players. Over the last few years, we’ve had some successes and moments to cherish, but ultimately it was not the end goal. We are working relentlessly every day to bring a Stanley Cup back to New York because that is what our fans deserve.
“With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation. We are not going to stand pat — a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This is not a rebuild,” Drury wrote. “This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects. We will target players that bring tenacity, skill, speed and a winning pedigree with a focus on obtaining young players, draft picks and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward.”
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The Rangers Acquired J.T. Miller From The Vancouver Canucks Last Season
Miller, who was an original draft selection of the Rangers, later played for both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vancouver Canucks before he was reacquired by the Rangers last season.
He became the official successor to Jacob Trouba as Rangers team captain before the start of this season; Trouba was traded last season to the Anaheim Ducks.
However, this campaign has largely been one for the Rangers and their fans to want to forget.
NHL Insider Seems To Confirm Fate Of J.T. Miller With Rangers