November 29, 2024 | 1:37pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

RANGERS INQUIRED ABOUT MILLER FROM CANUCKS

J.T. Miller, forward

As the trade winds continue to swirl around Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers, speculation over what GM Chris Drury may do is ramping up.

Over the weekend, as previously reported, the Rangers made it known to the rest of the NHL that they are willing to listen on a number of players, specifically captain Jacob Trouba and power forward Chris Kreider, among others.

TFP’s David Pagnotta reported Wednesday on The Powerplay on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio that forward Kappo Kakko is also being discussed, and TSN’s Darren Dreger later reported Kakko was in play on Thursday’s “Insider Trading” segment.

As Drury navigates the trade waters, he is also making inquiries on a number of players around the NHL, including former Ranger and current Vancouver Canucks star J.T. Miller, according to The Athletic.

Miller, 31, is in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million contract and owns a full no-movement clause – he would have to approve any trade the Canucks attempt to make. He is currently on an indefinite leave from the hockey club for personal reasons.

The Rangers have been trying to re-acquire Miller for some time, including prior to the 2022 Trade Deadline, in which The Athletic reports the Canucks wanted Braden Schneider as part of the trade and the Rangers declined.

There is no indication the Canucks have any interest in moving Miller, though teams are welcome to inquire.

With the Rangers in win-now mode, any significant trade they make will surely benefit their current roster and their pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship in June. Moving the likes of Kreider, Kakko or Trouba would follow that same mindset.

Drury also has limited salary cap space to play with, so any impact move would have to result in a player coming off the roster – likely why he is exploring his options with some big name stars.

The Rangers currently sit in the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference and are six points back of the Washington Capitals for third in the Metropolitan Division.