Canucks Fielding Calls on J.T. Miller Ahead of NHL Entry Draft

Multiple reports have noted that the Vancouver Canucks are taking calls about J.T. Miller and some insiders are suggesting the player has played his last game in a Canucks uniform already. Everyone is closely watching what happens with Miller over the next few days, something there could be a trade completed at or before the NHL Entry Draft on July 7.

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Among those that suggest Miller is likely leaving the Canucks, reporter Jeff Paterson believes Jim Rutherford is getting antsy and wants to put his stamp on his team. The Canucks would love to keep Miller, but he’s not just looking to hit a home run in free agency, but a grand slam and it’s a lot of money to invest in a player who will only get older as the team itself wants to get younger.

Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province writes that Rutherford has said the aim is to focus on players 26 and younger a build a nucleus of players who can grow together. Miller is 29 years old and a year away from being an unrestricted free agent. As good a season as he just had (99 points in 80 games), the pieces don’t seem to fit.

Johnston quotes Rutherford who said the team has told Miller they would like to retain him after next season, but his contract comes with some risk. Rutherford explained:

“With J.T. Miller, we’ve suggested we would like to keep him. He’s been a good player for the Canucks,(But) it may not make sense for both sides. This is a time that he’s earned, going into free agency. We’d like to do it but we’ve got to be careful.”

Who Will Call On Miller?

Miller will get plenty of interest and his trade value is at the highest it will ever be. That could be another reason the Canucks elect to move on. Dhaliwal has reported that the Canucks are listening to offers and some are coming in, even though it’s not entirely clear from which teams.

Teams like the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals have all been thrown out there, with some even wondering if the Toronto Maple Leafs find a way to somehow pull off a miracle. The NHL Entry Draft is going to be a great place to try and make this deal happen because it offers teams a chance to send a pick to the Canucks, one they could immediately use to draft a future star for their organization.

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