As we inch closer to the start of the NHL season, the J.T. Miller rumors will not go away. The latest NHL trade rumors has the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes interested in making a trade for Miller.
If the reports are true and Miller and his agent will cut off contract talks with the Vancouver Canucks once the NHL season starts, do the Canucks want to risk losing Miller for nothing when the NHL season ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent? Or trade him for top-tier assets as some point from now until the NHL trade deadline?
New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes interested in J.T. Miller
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils first priority this offseason was to find a goaltender and once they signed Vitek Vanecek they have been looking all summer for a forward that will provide offence, grit and leadership.
Rob Simpson of Vancouver Hockey Now reports the Canucks would likely ask the Devils for Damon Severson and their 2023 1st round pick in a Miller trade.
Simpson feels a deal would likely happen closer to the NHL trade deadline if the Devils are in playoff contention and Miller has not re-signed with the Canucks.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes feel they are Stanley Cup contenders and this is their time to make a big move.
Simpson states in his piece that the Canes could send their 2023 first round pick, RW Martin Necas and defenceman Brett Pesce to the Canucks for Miller.
If the Canucks feel they cannot sign Miller to a long-term deal, this trade could happen sooner rather than at the trade deadline.
Overall, GM Patrik Allvin has come big decisions to make on Miller. If he can’t get him signed to a contract extension before the season starts, he will have to move him.
There are a plethora of teams that will have interest and the Canucks should receive a good haul in return.
