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When we last looked in on the Vancouver Canucks, it was believed they were leaning toward moving J.T. Miller over Elias Pettersson. The 31-year-old center has a full no-movement clause but some observers assumed he might waive it for the right situation.
On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks were believed to be close to a deal that would’ve sent Miller to the New York Rangers, where he began his NHL career.
At one point, it appeared Miller would be held out of the lineup from Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, Friedman indicated the deal was off for now as Miller picked up two assists in the Canucks’ 3-2 win over the Oilers.
The New York Post‘s Larry Brooks reported the two clubs had discussed a trade involving Miller since November. He claimed Rangers left winger Alexis Lafreniere was mentioned, though The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey believes that doesn’t necessarily mean the Rangers would move him.
Sportsnet’s Rick Dhaliwal indicated the Canucks hadn’t yet asked Miller to waive his no-movement clause. It’ll be interesting to see if the two clubs revisit these discussions.
Friedman stated the Canucks sent out a memo last week warning teams against speaking to their players without permission. Nevertheless, Friedman believed some teams were allowed to talk to Miller.
One of them could be the New Jersey Devils. In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald indicated he wants to add a center with some “extra oomph” to the lineup.
Related: J.T. Miller Delivers Against Oilers As Canucks’ Trade Drama Comes To A Head
As for Pettersson, Friedman pointed out that his no-trade clause doesn’t begin until next season. However, the 26-year-old center has told Canucks management that he wants to stay in Vancouver. Friedman believes they’d prefer hanging onto Pettersson.
Pettersson’s youth probably factored into that decision. He’s five years younger than Miller and has several productive years ahead of him.
It’s assumed the Canucks have entertained offers for Pettersson. The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus suggested the Chicago Blackhawks should do everything they can to acquire him. Lazerus believed the playmaking Pettersson would fit in well on the rebuilding Blackhawks, taking some of the offensive burden from rising star Connor Bedard.
Meanwhile, Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reported right winger Brock Boeser believes he could be moved if the Canucks haven’t turned things around by the March 7 trade deadline.
The 28-year-old Boeser is UFA-eligible on July 1 and carries a $6.65 million cap hit with a 10-team no-trade list. He had a career-best 40 goals and 73 points last season but currently has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games.
Despite the drop in his production this season, Boeser would draw a lot of attention if the Canucks peddle him by March 7.
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Related: Pros And Cons Of Canucks Making Brock Boeser A Trade Asset
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