In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, J.T. Miller is back skating and could return to the team soon. Also, the Canucks showed interest in New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider. Additionally, Filip Hronek will be out for some time and the Canucks will likely need to make a trade as a result.
Miller Returns to the Ice and Rutherford Shutsdown Trade Rumors
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Miller has been skating, and the club has a plan for his return. The forward took a leave of absence in late November for personal reasons. The Canucks are returning from a six-game road trip where they posted a 4-1-1 record. They now return home for a six-game home stand, and Miller will likely make his return to action at some point.
During his leave, there were rumors of a potential trade request from the forward. However, the president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, shut those rumors down (from ‘Stop the salacious speculation about J.T. Miller: Jim Rutherford,’ The Province, December 4, 2024).
“No, we are not (trading him),” Rutherford said. “We stand by him.”
Rutherford added that the rumors surrounding the situation are disrespectful. The club played well without one of their leaders, but his return will likely be welcomed by the team, and all of Rogers Arena will be chanting his name.
Canucks Called on Kreider
The Rangers are struggling to start this season and are reportedly open to trading Kreider. The Canucks are one of the teams that showed interest in adding the veteran forward, as reported by Rick Dhaliwal.
“Someone told me the Canucks called the Rangers about Chris Kreider. But my guess is Vancouver is probably on Kreider’s no-trade list. He’s got a healthy one, I think, 15 teams.”
Related: 7 Canucks Leading Them Through Adversity This Season
Dhaliwal added the Rangers are sending out feelers for both players and it is on the Canucks to figure out what it would take to acquire Kreider. Although it is unlikely, adding Kreider would provide the Canucks with a solid top-six goal scorer and a 13-year NHL veteran.
Hronek Injury Leading to Likely Trade
The Canucks will be without right-shot defenceman Hronek for eight weeks as the…
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