Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Pierre LeBrun reports on TSN’s Insider Trading that J.T. Miller’s name is floating around the trade market as the Maple Leafs could switch gears and pursue him.
We know that they will not be offering Artemi Panarin a contract so it’s only a matter of time before he’s dealt, meanwhile other veterans like Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox could be traded if the team wants to full-on make a roster change.
J.T. Miller in trade conversation even if it’s a long-shot
But there seems to be another name thrown into the mix and it just so happens to be the captain of the team.
According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading, J.T. Miller has found himself a part of the conversation and while it might not really happen — he’s at least being considered:
Among those players is Artemi Panarin, but J.T. Miller, the captain, his name is already out there, and I’m not quite sure why.
What I was told today is that Miller has no intention of waiving his no-move clause, and the Rangers have no intention of going to him and asking to waive it.
They traded for him last year, they made him captain, and they still believe in the reasons why they made that move. Miller should not be part of whatever exodus of players leaves New York.
Although it’s highly unlikely that the Rangers do trade Miller, if they come across a package that includes a couple of young NHL-ready prospects, a few picks and maybe a breakout winger — it could be enough.
Toronto could use J.T. Miller but absolutely can’t afford him
Then you’ve got to throw in their 2028 first-round pick as well as likely their 2027 second-rounder as well. It’s a lot to ask for when considering Miller’s age and contract but you can’t deny his talent.
In 912 career games he has 739 points (271 goals, 468 assists) and has averaged nearly 20 goals a season through his 14 seasons thus far. Add into that some solid defense and a ton of physicality; he’s one of the NHL’s premier forwards.
Add 56 playoff points into the mix and another leader on and off the ice, and you have a seriously impactful player who would fit perfectly next to Auston Matthews, or have a powerful trio of John Tavares and William Nylander alongside him.
But herein lies the caveat: Miller makes $8-million until 2030, has a no-movement clause as well as a no-trade list, and is 32; not exactly the youngest player Toronto could acquire.
The Rangers aren’t going to retain on Miller especially if they think they can factor him in, and that would drive the cost from expensive to downright ludicrous.
The combination of asset cost coupled with yet another older player on an expensive and potentially immovable contract, the Maple Leafs may be smart to steer away from Miller and go after a player a bit more manageable on their books.
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J.T. Miller trade chatter is back, and it changes the Leafs’ deadline watch list
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