Trade rumors surrounding Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller and New York Rangers stars Mika Zibanejad and K’Andre Miller gained traction a few days ago but they might day after Saturday's development.
During Sportsnet's "Saturday Headlines" segment, the first of the 2025 calendar year, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman threw cold water over the speculation involving the aforementioned players and a potential blockbuster trade.
Former Rangers forward Sean Avery first floated the trade scenario while appearing on the Dec.23 episode of the "Spittin’ Chiclets" podcast.
Discussing the potential swap between the two franchises, Friedman provided clarity on what such a deal might entail—and why it hasn’t, and most probably won't, materialized yet.
According to Friedman, if the Canucks were fully committed to trading Miller for Zibanejad and K’Andre, the deal should have already happened.
“If Vancouver wanted to do that, they could have done it already,” Friedman said. "And don't forget, ZIbanejad has a no-move clause (NMC) as well."
Speaking to The Athletic on Friday, Zibanejad downplayed all trade rumors, calling them “noise” and touching on his NMC.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anything. It’s noise.
”There’s a reason why there are clauses like that. It’s something that was negotiated and earned. My focus has always been here. My focus has never been on anything else.”
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) waits for a face-off during.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
According to Friedman, however, the Canucks could explore moving J.T. Miller, but if a trade happens, it will likely be within the United States.
“If he agrees to go anywhere, it’s probably going to be in the States,” Friedman said.
Miller, who has six goals and 19 assists in 28 games this season, has struggled amid reported tensions with teammate Elias Pettersson.
Zibanejad has been a core piece for New York since the franchise acquired him in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in 2016. The forward, however, has faced challenges this season scoring just eight goals and 23 points and posting a minus-21 rating in 38 games.
The Rangers, with a 17-20-1 record, are tied for last in the Metropolitan Division and most probably wouldn't hesitate in making a trade for Miller following those involving former captain Jacob Trouba and former no. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko as they try to salvage the season.
