Who Says No to Needed Trade: Canucks or Hurricanes?

If the Carolina Hurricanes are now the frontrunners for J.T. Miller, what have they offered up in a trade package? Maybe nothing yet. But what we’re hearing is that the Canucks are getting low-ball offers. The New York Rangers backed off when the Canucks wouldn’t eat some of Miller’s salary. The New Jersey Devils aren’t sold on going all in. The Dallas Stars might be in the mix, and the Boston Bruins are dark horses. That might leave the Hurricanes feeling pretty good about their odds.

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Carolina knows that the Canucks are eager to get this done. The Canucks know the Hurricanes would like more scoring help. Can these two teams find common ground? Miller seems open to it, as the Hurricanes have been granted permission to speak to him.

“He would fit in perfectly in Carolina and Rod Brind’Amour‘s system with the ability to move up and play wing or center,” a source told RG.org.

Kotkaniemi (Hurricanes) for Miller (Canucks)

Vancouver Canucks: Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Sean Walker
Carolina Hurricanes: J.T. Miller

This is a trade that arguably addresses the needs of both teams. For the Canucks, this gives them a defenseman under contract and a center in return for the departing Miller. It’s $8.42 million going to Vancouver, with Miller’s $8 million coming back. They want to move Miller and the Hurricanes have some decent assets the Canucks can use.

Walker replaces Vincent Desharnais as a right-shot blueliner and slides up with Tyler Myers potentially taking a spot on the third pairing. Kotkaniemi is not as good as Miller, but the Canucks knew they weren’t going to win this trade by giving up the best player. At least they get a serviceable center.

What About the Hurricanes?

For the Hurricanes, they are giving up two useful assets on fair contracts. But, they get a top-tier forward that they don’t have. Miller can bring more jump and intensity to the group. And, the team has the right coach to deal with his mood swings. Brind’Amour is a player’s coach, and everyone in that locker room knows it’s the coach’s show.

One thing to consider is that Walker has a modified no-trade clause. He can supply Carolina with a 15-team no-trade list. There is no guarantee he’d have any interest in joining the soap opera in the Western Conference that is Vancouver.

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