NHL mock trade: J.T. Miller lands in New York in exchange for $52,150,000 Rangers forward and more

The rumor mill continues to grind as Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller’s name resurfaces in trade discussions. This time, the rumor mill shifts its focus to Miller returning to the New York Rangers, the team that drafted him 15th overall in 2011.

The Hockey News reported the Rangers’ interest in bringing Miller back. However, the surprising name going back the other way was Alexis Lafreniere.

According to NY Post columnist Larry Brooks, as quoted by The Hockey News, Lafreniere and his $52.15 million contract would be going to Vancouver.

While this move sounds like a potentially solid idea, it seemingly contradicts earlier reports that the Canucks are looking to get a center back to replace J.T. Miller. However, Brooks was adamant about the fact that the Rangers would not include Mika Zibanejad.

Per Brooks:

“Mika Zibanejad will not be part of the bounty going to Vancouver in a potential deal for Miller…It is believed that Alexis Lafrenière’s name has been prominent in the discussion.”

Brooks, as a renowned insider, seems to have inside knowledge pointing toward the Rangers getting a young dynamic forward in Lafreniere but opening a hole in their center depth. As such, the Rangers could either need to get a center back or something to compensate for Miller’s departure.

As such, a mock trade package could look something like this:

Rangers get:

• C J.T. Miller

Canucks get:

• F Alexis Lafreniere
• 2025 conditional first-round pick
• D Will Borgen / K’Andre Miller

This mock package includes a first-round pick to compensate for the lack of a center going back to Vancouver. While the overall price may seem a little steep, the Canucks may be looking to fleece the Rangers with this deal.

Rangers may have no choice but to overpay for J.T. Miller

Indeed, including a first-round pick for J.T. Miller would be an overpay. However, the Rangers may have no other choice. Two weeks ago, plenty of analysts were writing the Rangers’ obituary for this season.

The Blue Shirts then suddenly turned things around, going 6-2-2 in their last 10 games and quickly getting back into the Metro Division race. While they still have quite a way to go to claim a playoff spot, the Rangers’ management may be compelled to make a bold move to attempt salvaging this season.

That could mean overpaying for a top-six center like Miller. Unless the Rangers are willing to include a center like Filip Chytil, the price could be something like a first-round pick. Otherwise, the Canucks may bide their time until a truly desperate team is willing to meet their asking price.

Whether that team is New York remains to be seen. Other contenders reportedly interested in J.T. Miller include the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils. Perhaps an old-fashioned bidding war could drive up the price to a point where a massive overpay may be the only way to land the disgruntled center.

It’s worth pointing out that Vancouver has also been adamant about adding another defenseman to bolster the blueline. Perhaps a throw-in like K’Andre Miller could sweeten the pot just enough to avoid costing the Rangers a first-round pick.

Ultimately, the Rangers might do well to steer clear of this trade, particularly if it means overpaying for a 32-year-old center amid a tumultuous season.