New York Rangers Acquire J.T. Miller in Multi-Player Deal with Vancouver Canucks
The New York Rangers have acquired forward J.T. Miller in a multi-player deal with the Vancouver Canucks. The Rangers received Miller, defensemen Jackson Dorrington and Erik Brannstrom, in exchange for center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini, and a protected 2025 first-round draft pick.
The trade comes after a reported rift between Miller and Canucks center Elias Petersson, which has been ongoing for years. Miller was benched in the third period of a November game against the Nashville Predators and subsequently took a leave of absence, missing 10 games.
Rangers General Manager Chris Drury hopes that Miller can bring an edge to the team, having played with an edge throughout his career.
The trade is seen as a strong addition to the Rangers’ top three centers, alongside Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad.
Miller is in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million deal and has nine goals and 26 assists in 40 games this season. He has set career highs in goals and assists last season.
Chytil, who was part of the deal, has 75 goals and 89 assists in 378 career games, including 11 goals and nine assists in 41 games this season. He missed all but 10 games last season due to concussion issues.
The trade is a significant move for the Rangers, who are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild-card spot. The team is hoping Miller’s addition can help them push for a playoff spot.