Boston Bruins
Insider Pegs Bruins as Underdog in J.T. Miller Trade Discussions
The Boston Bruins aren’t a favorite, but they could be a surprise team to get involved in trade talk involving J.T. Miller.
** Update: We reported before that Sara Civian had the Bruins in the mix. Now, Frank Seravalli also includes the Boston Bruins as a potential sleeper team in trade talks for Miller.
No Longer Rangers or Bust For Miller
Seravalli notes that it’s no longer the “New York Rangers or bust” when it comes to trade talks. Other teams have gotten in the mix after a deal was tabled that fell through. Seravalli says the Rangers weren’t open to taking on Miller’s full cap hit and term remaining on his contract. “The team right at the top of the list is the Carolina Hurricanes,” says Seravalli. Given that they’ve gotten permission to speak to Miller, it sounds like the forward was given the OK to pursue a deal and he wouldn’t stand in the way. But, Seravalli also notes that the Hurricanes are also looking at other players.
The dark horse, says Seravalli is the Bruins. “Their need for a top-end center has been well documented.” He also said Cam Neeley hinted at making some moves and the Bruins have monitored what’s going on with the Miller trade talks. Boston could remain in the mix and make noise if this gets to the deadline.
What's the latest on J.T. Miller?#NHLonPrime insider @frank_seravalli joins the show to share some insight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZMFoBEc05m
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More Reasons to Look at the Bruins
As per Sara Civian of Bleacher Report, watch the Boston Bruins as a bit of a sleeper team in trade talks involving J.T. Miller. While the main players are known to be the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars, Civian writes, “You can probably rule Pettersson out given the lack of assets and money the Bruins have to offer. But the Canucks are hearing teams out, so maybe they find a fit for unleashing Miller’s contract on Boston.”
The Bruins face mounting pressure to improve their top-six center depth but have limited cap space and assets to make a big move. As such, a splashy trade seems like a long shot. With a projected $4.775 million in cap space at the trade deadline, they would need to come up with a package that entices the Canucks.
The good news for the Bruins is that Vancouver is learning that several teams they’re talking to aren’t prepared to offer solid roster players. The Hurricanes and Devils, for example, are more likely to move futures. The Canucks have gotten a bit more flexible in their discussions, but ideally, they’d prefer to add players who can help immediately.
J.T. Miller, carrying an $8 million AAV, could be a more realistic option than Elias Pettersson if the Canucks are open to a deal. Miller, a versatile forward who seems to have the kind of intensity the Bruins like in their players, would address the team’s offensive issues.
What Would the Bruins Offer to Get Miller in a Trade?
Civian suggests names coming back could be Pavel Zacha or Charlie Coyle. Either could provide the Canucks with affordable center depth. They would also clear some cap space to make a second move if they felt the need to upgrade.
General Manager Don Sweeney is known for bold moves at the trade deadline, but he’ll have to get creative. He doesn’t have a deep prospects pool.
Acquiring Miller comes with some risk. But he’s a talented player, and if moved to a new team and with a fresh start, he could be a difference-maker. Would the Bruins be open to taking a gamble and swooping in as other teams try and figure out if Miller is worth going all-in for?
Next: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Capitals, Oilers, Canadiens, Canucks
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