The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly planning to trade J.T. Miller following the team’s slow start to the 2024-25 season. The club has dealt with multiple injuries and rumored locker-room issues between the American forward and Elias Pettersson. As a result, the organization reportedly decided six weeks ago to trade one of the two forwards.
Miller is the older of the two players, turning 32 in March, and carries six years remaining on his contract with an $8 million cap hit. In contrast, Pettersson is 26 and still has significant room to grow as a player. Given this, it makes sense for the organization to prioritize keeping Pettersson and move on from the 13-year veteran.
However, trading Miller presents challenges. His age, long-term contract, and no-movement clause make it unlikely the Canucks will receive an ideal return. Despite these obstacles, there are still teams interested in acquiring him, providing the Canucks with potential trade partners to explore.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have been interested in bringing Miller back for a few years now. The organization drafted him with the 15th overall pick in 2011 before trading him to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. The Rangers are seeking a boost, sitting two points out of a wild card spot, and hope Miller can deliver.
The two teams have held talks for some time and were close to pulling off a deal, but it fell apart. According to The Athletic, the Rangers offered centre Filip Chytil, defenceman Ryan Lindgren, a prospect, and a potential first-round pick (from ‘What we’re hearing about the nixed J.T. Miller trade and a new Canucks direction,’ The Athletic, January 20, 2025). The disagreement reportedly stemmed from the protection of the first-round pick, which could become a top-10 selection if the Rangers fail to turn their season around. Both sides have resumed talks, but there is no guarantee that a deal will be reached.
The Rangers’ offer for Miller is underwhelming, but interest from other teams could pressure them to increase their offer.
New Jersey Devils
The Rangers’ division rivals, the New Jersey Devils, have also expressed interest in trading for Miller. Miller would join a team aiming to compete for a Stanley Cup this offseason and need another top-six forward. With Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier at centre, adding the forward provides them with versatility as he can play on the wing or at centre.
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