Carolina Hurricanes
Who Says No in Miller Trade: Canucks or Hurricanes?
If the Carolina Hurricanes want to acquire J.T. Miller from Vancouver Canucks, the deal could help both teams address areas of need.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a ton of speculation about the Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller and the drama that has been surrounding them. While I have speculated a lot that Pettersson would be the one likely on the move, it is time to turn the attention to Miller and what deals make sense for him and the Canucks. One such scenario involves Miller potentially being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes are a sleeper team, but a deal between both organizations would make a ton of sense, especially if it involves the Miller trade to Hurricanes scenario.
Potential Trade Proposal
Vancouver Canucks: Sean Walker, Jack Drury & Jackson Blake
Carolina Hurricanes: J.T. Miller & Vincent Desharnais
On paper, this deal may look too heavy of an asking price for Miller. However, when you break down the trade, it makes a bit more sense.
First up, the Canucks. They would receive defenseman Sean Walker and forwards Jack Drury and Jackson Blake. Walker would give Vancouver another option on the right side of the blue line. This would allow them to reunite Filip Hronek with Quinn Hughes on the top pairing and place Walker on the second pairing with Carson Soucy, which aligns well with their interest in the Miller trade to the Hurricanes.

As for help up front, Blake and Drury are both very young forwards who could inject some life into the Canucks’ lineup. Together, they could help Rick Tocchet build a new third line alongside Kiefer Sherwood, providing more depth down the lineup.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, get a star forward in Miller and a good shutdown defenseman in Desharnais.
Why This Trade Works for the Hurricanes
Starting with Miller, he would be a near-perfect fit with the Hurricanes under head coach Rod Brind’Amour. They are both very intense individuals who push players to be the best versions of themselves. He would fit well with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis on the top line, likely pushing Aho over to the wing. Subsequently, that would force Jack Roslovic down the lineup, creating more scoring depth. The Miller trade to Hurricanes would strategically position them to strengthen their top line significantly.
Additionally, the Hurricanes would acquire Desharnais, who would replace (in a manner of speaking) Walker on the blue line. As a right-handed shot, he brings a very similar style of play to Jalen Chatfield. Desharnais’ intensity and physicality would fit well under Brind’Amour’s coaching style.
All in all, this trade makes a ton of sense for both teams. There is a chance the Canucks might look to get one more experienced NHL player instead of Drury and Blake. However, the overall structure of the trade, particularly the Miller trade to Hurricanes, would benefit both organizations.
Next: Who Says No to Trade: Vancouver Canucks or Buffalo Sabres?
