Elliotte Friedman lifts the lid on NY Rangers' first attempt to bag J.T. Miller which fell through because of Canucks' interest in $4,400,000 D-man

In his January 7 column for The Athletic, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared details about the New York Rangers' failed attempt to acquire J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks. Friedman confirmed that Vancouver indeed turned down a trade offer that involved Miller and Mika Zibanejad. This trade was first reported by The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, but Friedman mentioned some semantics.

"I believe he’s correct — with some semantics," Friedman wrote. "(A few weeks ago, New York denied it, but all it takes is for someone like Yohe to shake it out, and information follows.)"

The Rangers approached the Canucks while Miller was on a mental health break. They discussed possible trade options, including Zibanejad, but his no-move clause made things difficult.

"You’ll remember that when Miller took his mental health break, the Rangers, who covet the player, were in Vancouver," Friedman wrote. "From what I understand, they approached the Canucks to discuss what something could look like, and Zibanejad was included in the conversation."

One key issue was Vancouver’s interest in Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider, who is signed on a 2-year, $4,400,000 contract. But New York is unwilling to trade him.

"This would be the second time New York has rejected a Vancouver attempt for him." Friedman added.

J.T. Miller has eight goals and 21 assists in 29 games this season. He had 103 points last year. Zibanejad has eight goals and 17 assists in 40 games. Both players have similar contracts, with Miller’s cap hit at $8 million and Zibanejad’s at $8.5 million.

NHL insider Josh Yohe's statement on J.T. Miller

On January 7, Josh Yohe reported that the NY Rangers offered Mika Zibanejad to the Canucks for J.T. Miller.

"Earlier this season, the Rangers offered struggling center Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver in return for Miller," Yohe wrote. "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 played his first six NHL seasons there."

The Rangers are interested in Miller, who was drafted by New York in 2011 and played six seasons there.

The Vancouver Canucks have a record of 18-12-9 and they are placed 4th in Pacific Division. The Rangers, on the other hand, have witnessed a massive fall in their performance after winning the President's Trophy in the 2023-24 NHL season. They are placed 7th in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 18-20-2.