Canucks' JT Miller Responds to Trade Rumors, 'Whatever Happens, Happens'

There was momentum on J.T. Miller getting traded to the New York Rangers on Saturday, but the deal collapsed per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

Miller was supposedly being held out of Saturday night's game against the Edmonton Oilers while some AHL players in the Rangers organization were scratched.

Since there was no deal set in place, Miller went on to play in the Canucks' 3-2 victory.

"I'm not getting into this. I plan on being a Canuck today and tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I'm focused on the next game," Miller said following the victory.

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Miller went on to grab two points and end a five-game drought in the game. One might question whether general manager Patrik Allvin trying to shoot up his trade value.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 18: J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks skates after defeating the Edmonton Oilers during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

"I believe J.T. Miller was set to be scratched for the game against the Oilers because trade talks were advancing," Friedman said. "However, that trade is off right now."

Although Miller has not requested a trade, Canucks management has reportedly permitted a select group of teams to engage in direct conversations with him, according to Friedman during Saturday's segment.

"There was a time in the last 24 hours where J.T. Miller was not going to play," Friedman said. "He was going to be held out of the lineup because talks were progressing on a trade--I believe that team to be the New York Rangers."

The Rangers have been interested in Miller since before he signed his seven-year extension with the Canucks ahead of the 2022-23 season.

This is the second time this season that reports broke about Miller's connection to the Rangers. The Athletic reported that the Rangers offered center Mika Zibanejad for Miller. Vancouver wanted defenseman Braden Schneider included in the deal, but the Rangers covet him.

Miller, who was drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2011, played parts of his first six NHL seasons in New York. He was included in a deal that sent him and Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the deadline in 2018.

Since then, Miller has blossomed into an elite talent in the NHL landscape, hot off his first 100-point season last season with the Canucks.

Miller's return to the Rangers would solve a need for physicality in their lineup while still sustaining a scoring touch. When the they lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final last season, they were outmuscled in all three zones because the fabric of their lineup was missing the rugged pedigree that a Miller offers.

Miller has recorded eight goals and 31 points in 35 games this season. He is currently in the second year of his $56 million contract, which features a full no-move clause.

More NHL:

Canucks' Rick Tocchet Seemingly Takes Shot at JT Miller Amid Trade Rumors

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