The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks were discussing a J.T. Miller trade recently, according to Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Vensel’s sources indicate that talks have stalled but could re-open at some point before the deadline.
Miller, 29, has a seven-year, $56MM contract extension set to kick in next season, but the Canucks are already re-assessing the structure of their roster. This morning, CapFriendly confirmed that a trade with retained salary would extend to the entire extension. If Vancouver wanted to make Miller more enticing to contenders this year, they’d be on the hook for part of his salary through 2029-30.
- The Edmonton Oilers have a busy day ahead of them, with talks planned on several high-profile defensemen. Darren Dreger of TSN reports that discussions with the Arizona Coyotes on Jakob Chychrun were progressing yesterday, but have since cooled. General manager Ken Holland will reach out on Chychrun, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Mattias Ekholm today.
- Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic adds that Gavrikov is likely “Plan C” for the Oilers, with Chychrun and Ekholm the leading targets. For the Nashville Predators defenseman, the early ask started with two first-round picks, according to LeBrun.
Take him. Some may disagree but I see a pouty, fake tough guy watching him night in and out. Skilled player, but -15 with nearly a point per game. Not worth the extension and Canucks should be blowing it up. They can’t even lose right.