J.T. Miller breaks silence about rumored trade out of Vancouver Canucks

J.T. Miller has addressed the trade rumors about him and his future with the Vancouver Canucks. After a tough 5-1 loss to the L.A. Kings, the speculation grew. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned on Sportsnet’s Hockey Day in Canada that there were times it seemed Miller might not play. However, he confirmed that Miller would play against the Edmonton Oilers.

The New York Rangers have shown interest in J.T. Miller. However, Friedman said no trade would happen that night. After the game against the Edmonton Oilers, Miller addressed the situation. He was expected to be scratched due to trade talks, but he played and scored two points.

Miller said he’s focusing on the present.

"I'm planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I'm focused on the next game," he said.

Miller’s contract runs through the 2029-30 season with an $8 million cap hit and a full no-move clause. His agent confirmed that Miller hasn’t asked for a trade. There have been reports of tension with teammate Elias Pettersson. However, Miller is staying focused on his game.

"Canucks are trying to move Miller but Miller’s agent Brian Bartlett tells me his client never went to the team and requested or demanded a trade," Rick Dhaliwal shared on X on Jan. 19.

J.T. Miller has eight goals and 31 points in 35 games this season. The Canucks are just outside a playoff spot, and Miller’s focus on his role could help the team stay competitive.

NHL insider talked about Canucks not doing anything about J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson drama

The Vancouver Canucks’ season is slipping, with rumors of tension between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson continuing. The Canucks were 13-7-3 in early December but now sit at 19-15-10. They are fifth in the Pacific Division.

NHL insider, Farhan Lalji, discussed the team’s struggles on TSN OverDrive. He said the Canucks often look unmotivated during games when opponents gain an early lead.

“They have zero answers, zero response, zero pushback,” he said.

Rumors of conflict began in October after a practice scuffle. Both players denied the rumors, blaming the media for exaggerating. Lalji praised coach Rick Tocchet, calling him a victim of the situation. He noted the team has done little to stop the ongoing speculation.

"When you look at what's happened with this team and the storylines..., " Lalji said during the broadcast, "not a lot has changed in the last two to three weeks from when the Pettersson-Miller conversation began to rear its ugly head again... They haven't done anything to stop that conversation. So people keep talking about it because they've done nothing."

In wins, Elias Pettersson has 17 points and J.T. Miller also has 17. Both have poor plus/minus ratings in losses: Miller is -15, and Pettersson is -14. Canucks Management needs to act quickly to fix the situation.