New York Rangers Trade No. 12 Pick to Pittsburgh Penguins
In a strategic decision ahead of the NHL Draft, the New York Rangers have opted to trade their No. 12 pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins, finalizing the previously negotiated J.T. Miller deal, according to sources within the league.
Rangers’ Strategic Choice and Future Control
By relinquishing the immediate first-round selection, the Rangers maintain control over their first-round pick in the 2026 draft, thereby avoiding the potential ramifications of a lackluster season that could jeopardize their future prospects.
The Rangers’ acquisition of Miller from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this year involved a transaction that included emerging talent Filip Chytil and a protected first-round selection in 2025. The Canucks subsequently transferred that pick to the Penguins in exchange for Marcus Pettersson.
When the Rangers drew the 12th spot in this year’s draft lottery, they were faced with the choice of either giving up this year’s pick or a future unprotected first-rounder in 2026. Opting for the former allows New York to secure their future while mitigating risks involved in the upcoming seasons, especially in light of highly regarded prospects like Gavin McKenna set to enter the league soon.
Future Flexibility and Risks
Despite the implications of losing such a high-value pick, the Rangers assert that the trade provides them with greater flexibility moving forward. With ambitions to contend in the 2025-26 season, the Rangers could leverage their 2026 first-round pick into future trades, potentially fetching a higher return compared to a 2027 selection.
Furthermore, the Rangers are considering extending offer sheets to restricted free agents this offseason, which would require draft pick compensation should the receiving team fail to match. However, the trade has its drawbacks; for the Rangers, the No. 12 pick was a chance to enhance an already average prospect pool, and they currently hold a diverse set of picks for the 2025 draft including a second and multiple third-round selections.
In contrast, had they traded the 2026 pick, their presence in the next draft would have been considerably diminished.
Pittsburgh Penguins Benefit from the Trade
On the other end of the deal, the Penguins view the transaction favorably, particularly since it provides them with two top-12 picks ahead of their own 2025 draft. Their president and GM, Kyle Dubas, is actively pursuing strategies to strengthen the roster swiftly.
Having back-to-back picks in this draft could grant the Penguins significant leverage if they wished to target specific players, particularly Porter Martone, a prospect many expect to be selected between the third to ninth positions.
With aspirations to capitalize on their enhanced draft capital, the Penguins maintain their own first-round pick in 2026 and possess three second-round selections, solidifying their position for both the current draft and future endeavors. Dubas has indicated a preference for selecting the best player available, which is now possible with two prime picks in the first round.
