A blockbuster NHL trade Friday night, Jan. 31, puts an end to the Vancouver Canucks month-long saga involving their best player. Center J.T. Miller is on his way to the New York Rangers –– the team that drafted him back in 2011.
In the deal, the Rangers get a premier two-way center they desperately need after falling out of the playoff race. Miller was drafted by the Rangers back in 2011 and spent his first six seasons in New York. The Rangers also get a pair of minor-league prospects in the deal.
The Canucks get 25-year-old Czech center Filip Chytil in return, along with rookie defenseman Victor Mancini and a first-round pick in this summer’s NHL entry draft.
The 31-year-old Miller was in his sixth season in Vancouver and two years into a seven-year, $56 million contract. He had to waive his no-trade clause for Friday’s deal to happen.
He did that because it was clear things were not working out in Vancouver, as rumors of a rift between Miller and the team’s other top center, Elias Pettersson, would not subside. General Manager Patrik Allvin addressed the month-long drama just 10 days ago.
“It’s very unfortunate –– I feel bad for a lot of players when you’re reading some rumors out there,” said Allvin. “I’m proud of the guys that they’re capable of blocking a lot of noises out and just go out and play. We want to create an environment where they feel safe and trusted.”
That meant moving Miller, who scored a career-high 37 goals and had 103 points last season, as the Canucks won the Pacific Division.
It’s been a tough go for him in 2024-25. He took a 10-game leave of absence for personal reasons and has just nine goals and 35 points. Miller will make his Rangers debut –– for the second time –– Saturday afternoon, Feb. 1, in Boston against the Bruins.
