Seasoned NHL columnist Nick Kypreos has provided an insight into the ongoing trade discussions between the Rangers and the Canucks involving Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller.
According to Kypreos, Zibanejad's camp has made it clear that he's not willing to waive his no-move clause in his $68 million contract to facilitate a trade to Vancouver.
On Sportsnet's Real & Bourne show, Kypreos explained that while trade talks could be prevalent, the existence of a no-move clause gives the player significant leverage over potential destinations.
"There’s been lots of talk about the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks looking at a deal involving Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller. I’m hearing that Zibanejad’s camp has made it clear to the Rangers that he isn’t willing to waive his no-move clause to go to the west coast," he said.
So you know that we're dealing with guys with no-move clauses, of course you can talk all you want but if one turns around and says, 'I'm not going out there and not interested,' then it's over," he continued.
Kypeos noted that if Mika Zibanejad isn't interested in moving to the Canucks, it effectively puts an end to discussions of him moving to the West.
"So now, listen everybody's got a right to change their minds, and there could be more pressure points in various ways, but, as of today, I'm told that Zibanejad does not want to go from the New York Rangers to the Vancouver Canucks," Kypreos added.
As things stand, Kypreos confirmed that Mika Zibanejad doesn't want to transition from the Rangers to the Canucks, although he acknowledged that player sentiments can shift over time.
Insider speculates if Rangers would include another forward instead of Mika Zibanejad blockbuster trade
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported in his column that Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson are subjects of trade rumors.
According to Pagnotta, teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers have expressed interest in the aforementioned players. In the case of Miller, the insider noted that the Blueshirts are keeping tabs on him, with Zibanejad seen as a potential part of a blockbuster trade package.
However, Pagnotta raised the question of whether the Rangers would be willing to make Alexis Lafrenière the centerpiece of a significant return for Miller instead of Zibanejad.