The New York Rangers reportedly recently contacted the Vancouver Canucks regarding forward JT Miller.
This is what The Athletic reported on Friday, emphasizing in passing that making such an acquisition had its share of challenges.
Firstly, Miller, who is 31 years old, has a contract earning him $8 million annually until 2030. Secondly, Miller is currently on hiatus, having left the Canucks entourage for “personal reasons” 10 years ago. days.
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This wouldn’t be the first time that Rangers general manager Chris Drury has inquired about Miller, who was a first-round draft pick by New York in 2011. He had previously tried to get the American as 2022 trade deadline approaches.
To get Miller, Drury would likely have to let go of another big salary, and while veterans Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider don’t seem to be attracting interest, players like Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck have no-movement clauses in their contracts.
So this call about Miller may just be a call, but it shows how hard Drury is trying.
Miller had 16 points in 17 games this season before taking his break.
He had the season of his life last year, amassing 37 goals and 66 assists for 103 points.
He played 341 games with the Rangers between the 2012-2013 and 2017-2018 seasons, amassing 72 goals and 100 assists along the way.
He also spent a little over a season with the Tampa Bay Lightning before joining the Canucks in 2019.
Highlanders too
Nils Höglander is another forward attracting interest from the Canucks.
According to what the renowned Kevin Weekes reports, the Washington Capitals, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets have inquired about his availability.
Aged 23 and blessed with good individual skills, the Swede presents an intriguing profile.
His salary, with an average annual value of $3 million, is reasonable to say the least.
Limited to two goals and three assists in 21 games this season, Höglander nevertheless amassed 36 points, including 24 goals, last year.
