NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Flames' Matthew Tkachuk and Canucks' J.T. Miller
With the 2022 NHL draft and free agency right around the corner, we're beginning to hear about some players who could potentially be on the move this summer.
One of those players is Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller, who is drawing "lots of interest," according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. The New York Rangers are reportedly among his suitors.
LeBrun noted it's "no surprise" the Rangers are interested in Miller, "especially if [they] aren't able to re-sign Andrew Copp."
"The Canucks could wait until next year's trade deadline to move him but I suspect it could get done this week if a team steps up with the package the Canucks are asking for," LeBrun reported Wednesday.
In addition, LeBrun said that "teams are delicately approaching" the Calgary Flames on Matthew Tkachuk, who is a restricted free agent.
"It goes without saying the Flames' lone intention right now is to sign Tkachuk long-term and keep him in the fold," LeBrun wrote. "But if he prefers to do a one-year deal and bring himself to UFA in a year, it puts Calgary in a brutal spot."
The news comes after TSN's Darren Dreger said on the Sekeres and Price podcast that he would be surprised if Miller wasn't moved this week. He also reported on what Vancouver might be looking for in exchange for the veteran.
"Vancouver wants good, young NHL players coming back," Dreger said. "The draft picks can be part of a package, but that can't be the motivator to closing on a deal."
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli also reported Wednesday that Miller and the Canucks remain far apart in contract extension negotiations. He is signed through the 2022-23 season at $5.25 million and is due for a solid raise.
If the two sides can't reach an agreement, it wouldn't be surprising to see Vancouver trade him for various assets.
Miller was also included in trade rumors leading up to this past season's deadline. The Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins were all linked to a move for the veteran.
The 29-year-old had a career year with the Canucks in 2021-22, tallying 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points in 80 games. Despite his production, he has been included in rumors because Vancouver isn't close to contending for a Stanley Cup after missing the playoffs for two straight seasons.
Miller would be a solid addition to any contending team, as he's tallied 169 goals and 285 points for 454 points in 637 games. That said, New York's interest in him shouldn't come as a surprise after it reached the Eastern Conference Final last season.
In addition, Miller began his career with the Rangers, who selected him 15th overall in the 2011 draft. He spent the 2012-18 seasons in New York before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2017-18 season.
As for Tkachuk, it's unclear what his intentions are or if he wants to remain in Calgary. If he wants to move on, it would be best for the Flames to trade his RFA rights now instead of letting him walk as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 24-year-old has spent his entire six-year career with the Flames after they selected him sixth overall in the 2016 draft. He's tallied 152 goals and 230 assists for 382 points in 431 games and would also be a solid addition for any contending team.
That said, Tkachuk is due for a raise after having a career year in 2021-22, tallying 42 goals and 62 assists for 104 points in 82 games played. He's coming off a three-year, $21 million deal.
It's unclear which teams have expressed interest in acquiring his rights.
