Canucks’ JT Miller sounds off on Rangers trade rumors

At this point it’s no secret that Vancouver Canucks are listening to trade offers on JT Miller. There is a reported a rift between Miller and fellow Canucks Elias Pettersonand it seems as if the boiling point has been reached. On Saturday, reports surfaced that Miller was nearly traded for New York Rangers. However, he played for Vancouver against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Canucks won 3-2 on Saturday night. And in this victory Miller played a big role. He recorded two assists in the win and was an overall threat in the offensive zone. After the game, the veterans center was asked about pre-match reports. However, Miller wasn’t having it.

“I’m not getting into this,” the Canucks star said, via NHL.com. “I plan on being a Canuck today, tomorrow.” Whatever happens, happens. I’m focused on the next game… “I don’t know if there’s anything. It’s just (trying) to focus on the game. It’s probably a good thing you’re playing the Oilers tonight and you’re tasked with keeping me focused.

Canucks, Rangers reportedly still discussing JT Miller trade

JT Miller did not go to the Rangers in a trade on Saturday night. However, New York is not giving up. The Rangers and Canucks are reportedly still involved in trade talks after their deal fell through over the weekend. This is no surprise, as New York is a logical landing spot for Miller.

The Rangers tried to trade Mika Zibanejad to the Canucks in an earlier proposal. But Vancouver took that one down. Recent reports indicate that the Canucks are interested in forward Alexis Lafreniere in any deal involving Miller.

There is certainly some logic to Vancouver’s interest in Lafreniere. The Blueshirts forward has received some criticism for underperforming since going to New York as the first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. However, over the past two seasons, he has shown hope that he could eventually become a top player.

The Canucks may also need a top-six wing center soon. Brock Boeser is having a down season after scoring a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24. However, he remains an effective offensive producer. He is on pace for 29 goals and 56 points in 2024-25. Boeser is also an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

If the Canucks fail to re-sign Boeser, it would be smart to have Lafreniere as a long-term replacement. It remains to be seen, of course, whether there will be a trade between Vancouver and the Rangers. However, fans should continue to monitor the situation as things develop over the next few weeks.