There has been a lot of speculation about J.T. Miller’s future over the last few days and during that time he wasn’t even with the Canucks. Miller was placed in isolation after a positive COVID test five days ago, but has now rejoined his teammates after exiting the protocol. He was on the ice for Vancouver today and based on jersey color, Thomas Drance of The Athletic tweets that it looks like he’ll be reunited with Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson on the “Lotto Line” for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Miller, 28, hasn’t played in a week, but every time he does step on the ice for Vancouver this season he only improves his trade value. With 39 points through 39 games, he’s on pace for his best offensive season yet and the second point-per-game campaign since arriving in Vancouver in 2019. The veteran forward has been linked to the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild in recent days, with Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff discussing his future again today:
I think the Rangers stand out a bit as the team that has been ’next level’ in terms of interest. They have a fit there, he knows what it’s like, he’s comfortable with the organization having already played there. That makes sense.
It’s not just a simple rental in the case of Miller either, as his contract extends through next season at a reasonable $5.25MM cap hit. He does not hold any trade protection, as the Canucks voided the modified no-trade clause that was originally included in the contract when he signed it with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Because the clause had not kicked in yet, Vancouver was allowed to do so after acquiring him in trade.
The Canucks made a few other moves today as well. Spencer Martin has been cleared to play again, after he too was put in the protocol just two days ago. He at least will give Vancouver another professional goaltender until Thatcher Demko and Jaroslav Halak exit the protocol. The team played with an emergency backup on Sunday, giving Michael DiPietro the start. The team has also recalled Ashton Sautner to the taxi squad while moving Sheldon Dries to the taxi squad in order to open a spot for Miller.
Unfortunately, Tanner Pearson tested positive this morning according to Ben Kuzma of Postmedia, and the Canucks have now officially announced that he is in the protocol. He’ll be unavailable for the team tonight.
Miller and maybe a depth defender like Hamonic for Kravtsov and Lundkqvist maybe? I think we’re really going to have to wait and see what the first major deal is this year to get an idea of what teams are expecting in exchange for good players with term left on their deals.
How would NYR absorb 8 million in salary for this year and next?
It’s prorated for this year… they have $7 million in cap space now, so he fits in easily. Even if the cap doesn’t go up next year, they have just under $11 million in space with only a few RFA moves to make. They have plenty of space.
They have 6 RFA’s + Ryan Strome to sign next year. They need to shed some salary on a trade for anyone that would benefit them this year in order to have a more manageable cap for next year, or trade a couple RFA’s or Strome…..the drama continues……
He’d replace Strome on the second line and they’d let him walk. It’s actually a good deal for the Rangers.
Miller for Schneider or Lundkqvist + a roster player (Chytil?) and a really good pick
Point per game power forwards with contract security for a season and a half do not come cheap. Canucks shouldn’t rush it either and see if they can get a bidding war.
If an solid player on a contender goes down – they might pay a larger price to acquire someone like Miller…no rush Canucks
“Power forward”? Miller is a strong 2C with strong metrics on the dot. But I would not call him a “power forward.” He has plenty of value. PLENTY. But not as a “power forward”.
“Power forward” is a term that is changing. No more Bertuzzi-like guys are ppg. Maybe Ovi but he’s a unicorn.
JT Miller is the skill-2022 leagues version of power forward
Tkachuk brothers carrying the legacy of PF. Not as many as the 90’s, though.
kinda wild he’ll be on hia fourth team and may be on his fifth next year if his new club has cap issues.
Very good player but still weary of bringing back a player to a franchise where he originally underperformed.
So he can’t grow and perform better over time? He turns the clock back when he returns to NY?
Boston or Calgary is likely where he’s headed.
Not the Bruins. They got Hall last year. O’Connell usually acquires defenseman and once in a blue moon a goal scorer.