It’s just over a week into free agency and most teams have done their heavy lifting. Still, that doesn’t mean there is nothing going on. The NHL rumour machine never sleeps. While the Vancouver Canucks have been a key figure in trade rumours this off-season, they may be looking to come to terms on a J.T Miller extension.
Canucks Star Open to Extension
Rumour: Harman Dayal reports that JT Miller’s agent says the forward is on board with a contract extension with the Canucks.
J.T. Miller “would be onboard with an extension” with the #Canucks, his agent says. Meanwhile, GM Patrik Allvin tells me VAN’s already tabled what it feels is a fair offer.
Where’s this headed next? My full convo with Miller’s camp and Allvin:https://t.co/OUffpPD0cI
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) July 20, 2022
This is a bit of a turn for the Canucks and Miller. J.T Miller has been the subject of serious trade rumours dating back to the NHL trade deadline. The Canucks are in a cap crunch at the moment. Miller is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022-23 season and the team needs to re-sign captain Bo Horvat as well. With all the trade rumours circulating, a J.T Miller extension never seemed like it was a possibility, but it seems both sides are talking.
What This Means
The Canucks can still shop Miller if they feel he is pricing him out of their budget. The rumour also included a comment from Canucks GM Patrik Allvin saying the team already presented its best offer to Miller. The realities of a J.T Miller extension seem slim, despite his desire to stay with the Canucks. The team needs some cap flexibility moving forward so it is unlikely both Miller and Horvat get extensions. Still, for the Canucks and their fans it is a good sign that Miller is willing to stay with the Canucks even if the realities of the situation don’t make that a possibility.
Clearly, the Canucks would love to keep Miller who has produced very well for them during his tenure. Unfortunately, the Canucks have boxed themselves in a little with their cap management. Miller will command a significant raise from his $5.250 million AAV after putting up 32 goals and 99 points last year.
