Larry Brooks tweets that the Rangers have informed the Penguins that they are going to transfer the #12 pick in Friday’s draft to Pittsburgh to complete the JT Miller trade.
The Rangers had the option of keeping #12 this year and transferring and transferring their unprotected First Round pick in 2026.
Pittsburgh acquired the Top-13 protected pick that the Rangers traded to Vancouver as part of the JT Miller trade.
At the moment the Rangers first selection in the 2025 NHL Draft will come at pick 43.
Adam Rotter: Giving away #12 this year gives the Rangers more flexibility and optionality with their 2026 First Round Pick. The Rangers can keep their 2026 First Round Pick as a hedge against an injury plagued season that sees the Rangers back in the lottery, allows them to potentially use it in an offer sheet this summer or as an asset at the trade deadline if they return to the top of the Metro next season.
While giving away #12 is probably the right move for flexibility purposes, it does take away their ability to add a top prospect to the organization. Some people believe that a pick in the 20s next year will be equivalent to a pick at 12 this year in what is considered a deeper draft. The Rangers could still end up in the first round on Friday if K’Andre Miller is moved, but it remains to be seen if that is a) going to happen or b) the direction they go with the return.