After one of his best performances of the season, J.T. Miller avoided addressing the possibility of being traded, despite rumors swirling. Following the Vancouver Canucks’ 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers, Miller was asked about his future but responded, “I’m planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I’m focused on the next game.”
Just before the game, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Miller had almost been held out of the game due to trade talks involving the New York Rangers. He also mentioned that other teams had been given permission to speak with Miller and his agent, Brian Bartlett. Friedman further noted that Elias Pettersson, Miller’s teammate, had expressed his desire to stay with Vancouver.
A week after the Canucks pulled off a big win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, they secured another crucial victory, this time over Edmonton, despite facing challenges. In between, the team had suffered heavy losses to the Winnipeg Jets and Los Angeles Kings, with Miller taking some of the blame for the team’s defensive struggles.
Against Edmonton, Miller was named the game’s third star after snapping a five-game pointless streak. He recorded two power-play assists and won 18 of 23 faceoffs. Miller also did well defensively, limiting Connor McDavid to just five shots and one power-play assist. Reflecting on his performance, Miller said, “It’s probably good we’re playing the Oilers tonight. Have a matchup assignment, trying to keep me focused.”
If Miller is traded, it would mark the end of a significant chapter for the Canucks. Miller and Pettersson have played together for several years, initially finding success as part of the ‘Lotto Line’ alongside Brock Boeser. Although they now usually anchor separate lines, their time together has shaped the team’s identity.
Both players have been key to Vancouver’s success. Pettersson, who was drafted fifth overall in 2017, has put up 441 points in 446 NHL games and has earned four All-Star appearances.
Miller, who turns 32 in March, was drafted 15th overall in 2011 and has accumulated 433 points in 399 games with the Canucks. Last season, he had a career-high 37 goals and 103 points, helping the Canucks reach the playoffs.
Miller is in the second year of a seven-year contract that carries an annual cap hit of $8 million, while Pettersson signed an eight-year deal with an $11.6 million cap hit, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. With the salary cap expected to rise, both players’ contracts will take up less of their teams’ cap space in the future.
When at their best, both Miller and Pettersson are elite players. Miller has a slight edge in top skating speed and is known for his physical play, reaching the 200-hit mark in the last two seasons. Pettersson, known for his playmaking ability, excels along the right wall and has struggled with his faceoff and physical play this season.
Both players have been underperforming this season. Heading into the game against the Oilers, both Miller and Pettersson had 29 points. After his two assists against Edmonton, Miller moved ahead by one point.
Miller is a fan favorite in Vancouver when performing well, but his mistakes can also make him a target of criticism when the team struggles. Recently, he had seen his ice time reduced after poor performances in losses to the Jets and Kings. Pettersson, while also under pressure for not producing enough points, is valued for his defensive contributions.
Rumors of tension between Miller and Pettersson have been around for years. While both players had committed to staying in Vancouver and working together, this season’s struggles have led to an increase in speculation about their relationship. The Canucks experienced what life was like without Miller earlier this season when he missed 10 games due to personal reasons. If he is traded, the Canucks are expected to receive significant value in return.
Whether Miller stays or goes, his performance on Saturday will serve as a reminder of what he can contribute when he’s playing at his best.
