Will The Rangers Trade Back Into The First Round?

Will the New York Rangers trade into the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft? The answer is likely no. 

When the Rangers still held the 12th overall pick, it was rumored that the team could be looking to move up in the draft and land a top-ten pick. 

However, as part of a trade with the Vancouver Canucks involving J.T. Miller, the Rangers had a choice to either give away this year’s first-round pick or their 2026 first-round pick. 

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury decided to transfer the 12th overall pick and keep the team’s 2026 first-round pick.

Now, the Rangers are left without a selection in the opening round of the draft on Friday, so it may be a quiet night for the Blueshirts. 

There’s always a possibility the Rangers trade back into the first round if there’s a specific prospect Drury has his eye on, but their move to transfer the 12th overall pick kind of cancels out that possibility. 

The most likely scenario for the Rangers to get a first-round pick tonight is a trade involving K’Andre Miller. 

Since the Rangers 2024-25 season ended, Miller has been the subject of multiple trade rumors as he will become a restricted free agent on July 1 and he’s still without an extension. 

With the draft approaching in just a few hours though, Miller still hasn’t been traded and Vince Z. Mercogliano is reporting that it seems the Rangers aren't crazy about what's been offered so far. 

The Rangers still hold eight draft picks through the 2-7 rounds that begin on Saturday.

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury decided to transfer the 12th overall pick and keep the team’s 2026 first-round pick.