According to a report by Josh Yohe of The Athletic, the New York Rangers made a trade proposal to the Vancouver Canucks involving a swap of center Mika Zibanejad for J.T. Miller. However, the Canucks reportedly rejected the offer. While Yohe did not delve deeply into the specifics of the players or the teams involved, he mentioned, “There is plenty of chatter out there about Pittsburgh-area native J.T. Miller. Earlier this season, the Rangers offered struggling center Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver in return for Miller. The Canucks turned down the offer. It’s no secret that the Rangers are very interested in Miller, who was drafted by New York in 2011 and spent his first six NHL seasons there.”
Even if the Canucks had been open to the deal, both Zibanejad and Miller would have needed to waive their respective no-movement clauses for the trade to proceed. This highlights the complexities of such transactions. Notably, the Canucks hold a significant advantage with Elias Pettersson, as the 26-year-old does not have trade protection in his contract until July 1, making him a potentially more flexible trade asset.
Analysts are not particularly surprised by Vancouver’s reported rejection of the Zibanejad-Miller trade. Zibanejad’s recent performance has been underwhelming. Public analytics models point to his steep decline in defensive play and diminished offensive contributions, both at even strength and on the power play. With eight goals, 16 assists, and 24 points in 39 games this season, Zibanejad is far from the player he was during his career-high 91-point campaign in 2022-23. Coupled with his $8.5 million cap hit for five more seasons, he’s seen as a risky acquisition.
Miller, meanwhile, has faced his own challenges this season, posting eight goals, 21 assists, and 29 points in 29 games. Despite this dip, his recent play suggests he remains one of Vancouver’s most effective forwards. Given the Rangers’ evident interest in reacquiring Miller, this rejected trade offer is unlikely to be their last attempt before the NHL trade deadline in two months.
