REPORT: Trade Pitch Sees Rangers Acquiring Star $56 Million Forward
NHL analyst and former player Sean Avery believes the New York Rangers should make a bold move to turn their season around by acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks. With the Rangers currently outside of a playoff spot, Avery feels adding Miller—whom he describes as a “superstar” and a player with a mix of Rod Brind’Amour and the Primeau brothers—could provide the offensive boost and grit the team desperately needs.
Avery suggested the Rangers offer Filip Chytil and K’Andre Miller in exchange for J.T. Miller, calling it a reasonable trade for both sides. He believes this two-for-one swap would provide the Canucks with a promising young forward in Chytil and a solid defenseman in K’Andre Miller, both of whom could help fill the gaps left by Miller’s departure.
J.T. Miller, in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million contract, has been productive for the Canucks this season with 6 goals and 15 assists through 24 games. His return to the Rangers, where he played from 2012 to 2018, could add much-needed scoring depth and physicality to their lineup. Meanwhile, Chytil, a first-round pick in 2017, has 6 goals and 6 assists in 27 games this season and could step into Miller’s role in Vancouver’s offense.
For the Rangers, the move could pay off by adding a veteran forward who can provide leadership and offensive punch, while the Canucks would receive young talent in exchange for a player who might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Feud Between Canucks Teammates Could Lead to Trade
The relationship between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson has reportedly been tense in recent weeks, causing concern within the Vancouver Canucks’ locker room. Despite this, Miller downplayed the situation, acknowledging their differences but emphasizing that they’re working to improve their relationship. He stated, “Petey and my relationship has come a long way… We’re still working at it… We’re completely different people… But we’re working at it. We’ve come a long way.”
While Miller insists there’s no significant rift, the friction between the two could potentially lead to one of them being traded. Avery, however, believes the Rangers should target Miller in a trade, seeing the veteran forward as a valuable addition to their lineup. Whether the tension between Miller and Pettersson will lead to a trade remains unclear, but the situation could create an opportunity for the Rangers if it progresses.
Avery Wants Rangers to Deal Defenseman
Sean Avery has voiced his criticism of K’Andre Miller, suggesting that the New York Rangers should move on from the defenseman while he still has trade value. Avery believes Miller, in the final year of his deal, doesn’t have the mentality needed to thrive in a big market like New York. He pointed to the difference between Miller and former Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh, stating that McDonagh would rise to the occasion in tough situations, a trait he feels Miller lacks.
Avery believes the Rangers should act quickly and trade Miller before his value decreases, drawing a comparison to Chris Drury’s successful trade of Kaapo Kakko for a third- and sixth-round pick. Miller, who was selected 22nd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, still has potential, but Avery believes a change of scenery could be best for both him and the Rangers.