After weeks of rumors and speculation, the Vancouver Canucks did not trade star forward J.T. Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Instead, the Hurricanes executed a major three-team trade on Friday, sending Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Colorado Avalanche, while acquiring Mikko Rantanen from Colorado and Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks.
This move limits Miller’s potential trade destinations, making it more difficult for the Canucks to deal him. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Canucks also discussed the possibility of trading Elias Pettersson with the Hurricanes.
LeBrun shared that the Canucks and Hurricanes were close to a deal recently, though it’s unclear whether it involved Miller or Pettersson. LeBrun noted that talks had taken place between the two teams about both players, but Miller wasn’t asked to waive his no-move clause.
He also mentioned that the Hurricanes had attempted to trade for Pettersson last year before he re-signed with Vancouver. LeBrun confirmed that Vancouver has continued to talk to other teams about Pettersson, suggesting that the possibility of trading either Miller or Pettersson — or even both — remains on the table as the season progresses.
With Carolina now focused on the Colorado trade, the Canucks have lost a potential trading partner.
Meanwhile, Miller, Pettersson, and the Canucks managed a crucial 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive. This win could offer a fresh start for the two stars, potentially helping them stay off the trade block. Only time will tell.
