J.T. Miller Acquired by New York Rangers in Blockbuster Trade: Leafs Miss Out Again

Another blockbuster trade has occurred in the NHL, marking the second such deal in as many weeks, following a significant trade between the Hurricanes, Blackhawks and Avalanche last Friday.

Last week, we saw Mikko Rantanen shipped off to the Carolina Hurricanes in a deal that also involved Taylor Hall, Martin Necas and balancing pieces. This week, it's J.T. Miller on the move.

According to PuckPedia, the full terms of the deal are as follows:

Naturally, this means that yet another quality center comes off the board well ahead of the deadline. With the Maple Leafs still very much seeking an upgrade at the position, their patience may be the wrong approach, as it may cost them the piece they covet in the end.

Miller had been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with one of the major pitches coming from the Toronto media being based around a Miller for Rielly trade. Obviously that cannot occur now.

It's been a wild couple of weeks in the NHL, and with the Leafs having struggled of late, the time may be now to pull off a deal that will help them change their fortunes. All of their counterparts are doing it, so if the Leafs truly do wish to contend, they'll also have to contend in the trade market.