‘Grateful’ former Rangers defenseman pens heartfelt message after trade to Hurricanes
Two weeks after the New York Rangers traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes, K’Andre Miller posted a classy heartfelt message to the team and its fans on social media Thursday.
His Instagram post began by addressing the Blueshirts Faithful.
“To the Rangers fans — I’ll miss the roar of the crowd and the ‘Let’s Go Rangers’ chants that will forever echo in my mind. Your fandom is second to none.”
After thanking “the workers at MSG” and “first responders around the Garden,” Miller turned his attention to his former teammates, coaches and staff.
“To my teammates — Thank you for your support and lessons along the way. You made me a better player and person. Grateful.”
Though he didn’t name anyone specifically, Miller was especially close to his former defense partner Jacob Trouba, who was traded last season to the Anaheim Ducks.
“To the Rangers coaches, trainers and support staff — thank you for teaching me, caring for me, and helping me. Most appreciated.”
He then singled out Rangers general manager Chris Drury and team owner James Dolan.
“Thank you for giving me my start and allowing me to live out my dream in the greatest arena in the world. Thank you.”
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K’Andre Miller thanks Rangers, fans in classy farewell message
The 25-year-old defenseman played five seasons with the Rangers, who selected him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He was traded July 1 to the Hurricanes for defenseman Scott Morrow and two premium picks in the 2026 draft — a conditional first-rounder and a second-round selection.
In the sign-and-trade deal, Miller agreed to an eight-year, $60 million contract ($7.5 million average annual value) with Carolina.
That was a deal Miller wasn’t going to get from the Rangers. Drury deemed Miller too inconsistent and mistake prone, and wasn’t comfortable investing significant term and money in the top-four defenseman.
Back on breakup day in April, Miller expressed his desire to remain in New York. He was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, two years away from becoming unrestricted. In other words, it was time for the Rangers to make a massive decision with him.
Despite Miller’s wishes, the Rangers opted to sign Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract in free agency and then trade Miller to a division rival.
Despite that, Miller exited in a classy manner, making sure to touch all the bases in his Instagram farewell message.
“Peace out NYC. Stay safe. Until we meet again.”
That next meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 4, when the Hurricanes come to Madison Square Garden in one of the must-see games on the Rangers’ 2025-26 schedule.
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