York Newbury: Canucks Blow Lead, Lose to Sabers

From LeBrun:

It has been yet another eventful several days in the ongoing J.T. Miller–Vancouver Canucks affair.

How close did a trade come with the New York Rangers over the weekend? Not as close as some might have thought. He never would have played if the ball was at the goal line. But renewed talks with the Rangers culminated Saturday with Miller at the very least being on high alert at the possibility of being moved there.

And then it didn’t happen.

So, where are we now? As of Tuesday evening, here’s what I’ve been able to find out via several inquiries with league sources:

The Canucks and Miller have communicated clearly that a trade is the likeliest end result. There’s no clear timeline, however, on when that can be accomplished. It could be this week, could be closer to the March 7 trade deadline, could be this summer. All three options remain on the table.

Miller still hasn’t been asked to waive his full no-move clause during this process, which dates back six or seven weeks to the first wave of Rangers-Canucks trade talks. Miller also hasn’t given the Canucks a list of preferred destinations, but there is an understanding among everyone involved of the parameters — of the kind of team that would make sense for him.

We’ll see whether that trade scenario with the Rangers can be brought back in some form and pushed across the finish line, but in the meantime, there are other teams to monitor on Miller.

As I discussed on TSN’s Insider Trading on Tuesday evening, the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are among a handful of teams that have also had talks with Vancouver. The Canes are very much interested and trying to figure out if there’s something they can do that makes sense. The Devils are a more recent participant. There are internal questions in New Jersey about whether it makes sense to go all-in. But imagine a world in which you could go Jack Hughes, J.T. Miller and Nico Hischier down the middle.

The Dallas Stars are another team to keep an eye on. They have all of their Tyler Seguin cap money ($9.85 million average annual value) to spend eventually, and I do think Miller would waive for the Stars.

One thing that’s important to note: When these Miller trade talks with teams started several weeks ago, the Canucks were telling teams they needed apples to apples in a trade. They didn’t want to do a futures deal because they were intent on staying in playoff contention. But now the Canucks have relented on that to some degree, knowing that Cup-contending teams don’t want to disrupt their core and Vancouver would do a futures deal if it made sense.

But they’ve also told teams over the past few days that they’re not giving him away.

A reminder that Miller is in Season 2 of a seven-year, $56 million deal carrying an $8 million AAV.

From LeBrun:
- NewYorkNuck

Dallas would be a good fit for Miller, Bourque, Bischel and a 1st or 2nd and move on.
After that, the team needs to continue to sell, sell, sell.

I wonder who fetches more at the deadline, Sherwood or Boeser?

Does Demko fetch the Canucks a 3rd ?
How much will have to be retained on Pouty?.
Will Forbort get the team anything higher than a 4th?
Is Heinan available?
Descharnais should fetch a 3rd, well maybe a 4th.
Suter and Bluegar should be able to get a reclamation project in return.


Just sell, enough of the inconsistent garbage from this group of sad sacks

Unlike some despondent others... I think one solid end-of-season plus off-season of a quick retool can get this team back on track. Addressing the D will be the biggest issue, then trading for or signing a 2C.

Don't think the situation is that dire.

Miller, Boeser, bottom half of D corp gone.

Dallas would be a good fit for Miller, Bourque, Bischel and a 1st or 2nd and move on.
After that, the team needs to continue to sell, sell, sell.
- Reubenkincade

Continue? They haven't even started, and I'm not sure they will beyond Miller.

Does Demko fetch the Canucks a 3rd ?
How much will have to be retained on Pouty?.
Will Forbort get the team anything higher than a 4th?
Is Heinan available?
Descharnais should fetch a 3rd, well maybe a 4th.
Suter and Bluegar should be able to get a reclamation project in return.


Just sell, enough of the inconsistent garbage from this group of sad sacks
- Reubenkincade

I think you're going to be disappointed, I don't think the mindset of management is to destroy or dismantle the entire roster. Allvin just said he thinks this is a playoff team with some changes, meaning getting rid of Miller.

If they are on the outside looking in I could see some minor moves, Suter is a pending UFA having a good season, Forbort is also, and of course the Miller fiasco, beyond that I don't think you'll see any large moves. Unless they can't re-sign Boeser, he'll go too.

Most of the issues this year are internal turmoil, once that's cleared up I think they run it back....buckle up son.

Unlike some despondent others... I think one solid end-of-season plus off-season of a quick retool can get this team back on track. Addressing the D will be the biggest issue, then trading for or signing a 2C.

Don't think the situation is that dire.

Miller, Boeser, bottom half of D corp gone.
- NewYorkNuck

This whole Miller thing is reminding me of the Bruce Boudreau firing, they are needlessly dragging it on. I understand not wanting to give Miller away for nothing, but, the Canucks organization is somewhat of a clown show and it's pretty much been that way since their inception.

This whole Miller thing is reminding me of the Bruce Boudreau firing, they are needlessly dragging it on. I understand not wanting to give Miller away for nothing, but, the Canucks organization is somewhat of a clown show and it's pretty much been that way since their inception.
- Pacificgem

I think this Miller thing is more media driven than the Boudreau thing. Clearly the Canucks are trying to move him, but the Boudreau thing was a bit more cruel as management didn't even publicly back him.. they also could have fired him, and had an interim coach while they did their process. Trading a clear top line center is going to draw more trade speculation and articles, but they can't just cut him lose right now.

Ty Yorkie

So what's the excuse after this game?

Continue? They haven't even started, and I'm not sure they will beyond Miller.
- Pacificgem

I didn't think you would understand, but I said after that, then continue selling.
I am smart enough to realize that this management group won't do that, but I can have my dreams.
As a fan of thee Canucks for 54 seasons, just like yourself, this is 1st season ever that I don't care whether they win or lose. I have a complete lack of interest in this group

So what's the excuse after this game?
- VanHockeyGuy

The media

I didn't think you would understand, but I said after that, then continue selling.
I am smart enough to realize that this management group won't do that, but I can have my dreams.
As a fan of thee Canucks for 54 seasons, just like yourself, this is 1st season ever that I don't care whether they win or lose. I have a complete lack of interest in this group
- Reubenkincade

💯 Apathy, you're correct.

Does Vancouver need a goalie prospect at all? Just considering Demkos injury history, I was curious.

Rangers have a good one in Garand

The Canucks have made one acquisition in the last year believing they are a playoff contender, Erik Brännström.

Does Vancouver need a goalie prospect at all? Just considering Demkos injury history, I was curious.

Rangers have a good one in Garand
- Slimtj100

No they need D.

No they need D.
- VanHockeyGuy

I couid see Mancini then. I just find it hard to believe the Rangers would part with Schneider in a trade for Miller

Mancini is RH, a big dude and held his own early in the season until they sent him back down

I couid see Mancini then. I just find it hard to believe the Rangers would part with Schneider in a trade for Miller

Mancini is RH, a big dude and held his own early in the season until they sent him back down
- Slimtj100

There's a few teams in on Miller now, he'll go to the highest bidder.

Thanks Yorkie.
I guess the Canucks will make the problem child trade when they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

There's a few teams in on Miller now, he'll go to the highest bidder.
- VanHockeyGuy

Thing is the rangers can take on all of the salary where other teams probably can’t. Since they traded Trouba they have plenty of cap room. I think the rangers have the best chance because they won’t have to create any holes like other teams will, to make a trade

It’s basically PLD all over again because millers value isn’t great considering the circumstances

The Canucks have made one acquisition in the last year believing they are a playoff contender, Erik Brännström.
- VanHockeyGuy

You mean trade? And this season?

You mean trade? And this season?
- NewYorkNuck

In the last year, one player acquisition, Brannstrom.

Edit, not including the rentals

This whole Miller thing is reminding me of the Bruce Boudreau firing, they are needlessly dragging it on. I understand not wanting to give Miller away for nothing, but, the Canucks organization is somewhat of a clown show and it's pretty much been that way since their inception.
- Pacificgem

It was the 2 year anniversary of BB's last game as Canucks head coach yesterday.

He was pretty emotional. Just funny after all the praise for Rutherford and Allvin here we are again. It can be fixed...but will take some time and creative GM'ing...which I'm not sure Allvin has shown yet.