Frank Seravalli on Sportsnet mentioned that one team all over J. T. Miller has been the Rangers. Seems like since Miller dealt to Tampa as part of the Ryan McDonagh trade, he has been rumored to be a possible acquisition target to return to New York. This time, trading for him makes a lot of sense but is not without its challenges.
On today's buzzcast, when discussing possible trade targets, the names brought up were Joe Pavelski and John Klingberg from Dallas, both of whom will be UFAs after the season. The same with Ben Chiarot, who was the other blueliner mentioned on the videocast. No other names were specifically discussed.
Miller, the 15th overall pick in 2011, had a star-crossed career in New York, as he was John Tortorella's whipping boy. After landing in Vancouver, Miller admitted that he needed tough love. Up for a long-term deal, Rangers management decided that miller was not worthy of such a contract, including him with McD for Vladislav Namestnikov, Libor Hajek, and Brett Howden, along with their first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft and a conditional first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. We all know our view at the time of the deal, which has been borne out since the move,
Following a strong end of season with the Lightning, Miller signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with Tampa in June of 2018. He lasted one more season in the Sunshine State, landing on the fourth line at times, resulting in a trade to Vancouver. That move kickstarted the rise in his career, seen in Miller scoring 72 points in 2019-20 followed 46 in 53 last year, Miller is off to another strong start with 38 points in 28 games.
Bringing Miller back to New York would help close a hole in the top-six. The challenge associated with re-acquiring Miller is that he is signed beyond this year with a $5.25 AAV. On the plus side, New York could get two playoff runs from Miller. The downside is given where the Rangers sit with the cap, adding Miller could signal the end of Ryan Strome as a Ranger at the conclusion of the season. New York would have to get creative and have Vancouver eat salary if they wanted to have enough space to sign Strome, which is not a done deal, increasing the cost to acquire.
Because Miller would be around two playoff runs, the assets needing to be dealt would increase. A first rounder is a given. Filip Chytil would likely be part of a deal as well. The third piece might depend on if and how much Vancouver eats in salary. Irrespective of the $ component, a third piece is probably included and you would have to expect it's one of the more prominent blueliners, Nils Lundkvist, Zac Jones or maybe even Matthew Robertson. Now, the D man could be the second piece with Vitali Kravtsov or another young forward - which better not be Brennan Othmann or Will Cuylle - as the final part of the trade. I am well aware that Taylor Hall, with an expiring deal, went for Anders Bjork and second rounder, but the extra year and cheaper salary is why I think the cost to acquire will be greater.
What say you?
- Do you want Miller?
- Would it matter if bringing him in could mean Ryan Strome would leave at year end?
- What are you willing to trade to obtain Miller?
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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