New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has closed the door on a pivotal offseason decision. The franchise has confirmed it will send its 2025 first-round pick, 12th overall, to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The choice stems from a condition tied to the earlier trade of J.T. Miller. Drury had until this week to decide whether to part with the 2025 or 2026 first-rounder.
Now, with the 2025 NHL Draft days away, the Penguins hold the 11th and 12th overall picks, this move alters the landscape of the first round. Especially given the draft’s depth and the Eastern Conference rivalry between New York and Pittsburgh.
Chris Drury plays it safe by keeping 2026 draft assetBy locking in the 2025 pick, Chris Drury avoids risking a potentially more valuable selection next year, the 2026 pick remains in the Rangers’ control. This offers insurance in case the team struggles in the upcoming season, given the unpredictability of performance and injuries; holding onto that future asset might offer more strategic flexibility.
Still, the cost is real. The 2025 draft class has been widely praised for its depth, walking away from the 12th overall pick. Especially when it could have been used on a prospect ready to make an NHL impact soon. This feels like a big sacrifice, yet, the Rangers are betting on experience and immediate results with J.T. Miller.
This trade-off underscores Chris Drury’s belief in the current core. And its potential to contend now, rather than build slowly through youth.
Also Read: Paulina Gretzky, daughter of Wayne Gretzky and wife of Dustin Johnson, stuns in her most daring looks ever
Now, with the 2025 NHL Draft days away, the Penguins hold the 11th and 12th overall picks, this move alters the landscape of the first round. Especially given the draft’s depth and the Eastern Conference rivalry between New York and Pittsburgh.
J.T. Miller trade chain leaves Rangers vulnerableThis draft pick shuffle traces back to the New York Rangers’ trade with the Vancouver Canucks. In that deal, the Rangers sent Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and the conditional first-rounder to acquire J.T. Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson Dorrington, as the Canucks then flipped that pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Along with other assets, for Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor.Breaking: Rangers have notifed the NHL that they are sending this year's 12th overall first-rounder to Pittsburgh to complete the JT Miller deal instead of deferring the transfer to 2026, Post has learned.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 24, 2025
Chris Drury plays it safe by keeping 2026 draft assetBy locking in the 2025 pick, Chris Drury avoids risking a potentially more valuable selection next year, the 2026 pick remains in the Rangers’ control. This offers insurance in case the team struggles in the upcoming season, given the unpredictability of performance and injuries; holding onto that future asset might offer more strategic flexibility.
Still, the cost is real. The 2025 draft class has been widely praised for its depth, walking away from the 12th overall pick. Especially when it could have been used on a prospect ready to make an NHL impact soon. This feels like a big sacrifice, yet, the Rangers are betting on experience and immediate results with J.T. Miller.
This trade-off underscores Chris Drury’s belief in the current core. And its potential to contend now, rather than build slowly through youth.
Also Read: Paulina Gretzky, daughter of Wayne Gretzky and wife of Dustin Johnson, stuns in her most daring looks ever
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