It’s sweepstakes time at the Bell Centre. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reports that the Vancouver Canucks and J.T. Miller’s representatives met in Montreal yesterday and are still far apart on any potential contract extension. Darren Dreger of TSN adds that the “Miller watch” is now at full speed, with the Canucks’ asking a lot in any trade talks.
With the entire league gathered in Montreal for tomorrow’s draft, talks between teams can happen quickly, meaning the Miller story is a developing one. The Canucks already reached an extension with Brock Boeser and have had productive talks with Bo Horvat, meaning moving on from the 29-year-old Miller might be the most prudent option.
Still, he’s also an incredibly important piece of the team that is signed for this year and could help them push toward the postseason in 2022-23. Keeping him, at least until it becomes clear whether or not the Canucks are playoff contenders, could also be a lucrative option.
Coming off his career-high 99-point season, Miller is the kind of player that almost every team in the league could use. Versatile enough to play center or the wing, physical enough to contribute at a high level in the playoffs, and skilled enough to line up beside your team’s best, there are likely countless suitors for his services if Vancouver is making him available.
That level of talent could bring back a huge haul for the Canucks–especially if an extension is involved with the acquiring team. Of note, that couldn’t actually be signed right away, as he won’t be eligible for an extension until July 13 when he officially has just one year remaining on his contract.
Who is one player away from being a contender?
Maybe Carolina since they will lose Trochek and need a 2nd line C before the window closes?
Maybe Edmonton if they lose Kane?
Rangers could use a 2nd line C if Strome walks….
I mean they could be one player away from being a playoff contender, not cup contender.
Rangers. They drafted him so there’s a previous familiarity there, and they have the resources to do it. Question is: do they? Moving kids like Laf, Kakko, or Kravstov along with others like Miller, Jones or Lundqvist would get it done and load the top two lines that would challenge any in the league. Sprinkle in the defensive strength and depth along with the goaltending and I’d say they’re set. But moving that youth means just a few years of opportunity before it all falls on the wrong side of the contracts, whereas the youth keeps the team sustained – moving up in the lines as todays stars move down. You put Miller on the second line with Panarin and you could argue that the second line is better than the first.
They are not moving Laf
Seattle could be a destination not a bad choice …