NHL Insider reveals what Vancouver's J.T. Miller could earn on his next contract
The rumours surrounding Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller were definitely plentiful leading up to the March 21st trade deadline, but in the end, he remained in Vancouver. In the final few weeks before the deadline, talks had picked up that the Canucks were leaning towards retaining Miller and instead dealing one of Brock Boeser or Conor Garland, neither of whom were moved either.
With the Canucks currently in the playoff race in the Pacific Division, just 3 points behind the Vegas Golden Knights and 4 points back of the Edmonton Oilers, dealing one of their top six wingers would not have made a lot of sense from a competitive standpoint, and so they held onto all three.
Of the three players, Brock Boeser is the only player not signed through next season - though he is an RFA. However, he is the most likely to move due to the amount of his qualifying offer ($7.5M).
As for Miller, he is signed through next season, but he has become an integral part of the Canucks' top-six and one of the only reasons why they're even in the playoff race at all right now. It seems more likely than not that the Canucks may look to extend him as soon as he becomes eligible.
In terms of what a deal might look like for Miller, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggests that Miller could earn himself a contract similar to that of Mika Zibanejad in New York. Zibanejad signed an extension with the Rangers back in October for 8 years and $68M, with an $8.5M AAV.
It does make some sense, as Miller has produced at a similar level to Zibanejad over the last 3 seasons. In fact, Miller has 12 more points in 1 less game than Zibanejad this season.
Miller, who just turned 29, will be 30 before his next deal begins. Will the Canucks want to pay him over $8M per season throughout his declining years?
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 140 ANSWERS NHL Insider reveals what Vancouver's J.T. Miller could earn on his next contract Will J.T. Miller re-sign with the Canucks, or will he be traded at the deadline next season or at some point this summer? | ||
| He'll be traded | 56 | 40 % |
| He'll sign a fair deal | 38 | 27.1 % |
| He'll be overpaid to stay | 46 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
