Report: Rangers inquired about Canucks' Miller

The New York Rangers recently inquired about the availability of Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller, sources told The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh.

Miller has been out indefinitely on personal leave since Nov. 19.

"Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement.

The Rangers drafted the 31-year-old 15th overall in 2011, and he spent parts of five seasons in New York before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was traded again to the Canucks in 2019 and is in the second season of a seven-year deal that carries an $8-million cap hit and a full no-movement clause.

Rangers GM Chris Drury reportedly tried to trade for Miller in 2022 but was unwilling to include defenseman Braden Schneider in the deal.

Miller has been among the game's most productive players in recent years, ranking 12th among NHL forwards with 300 points in 259 games since the 2021-22 season. He set career highs with goals (37) and points (103) in 81 games a year ago. He's managed 16 points in 17 appearances this season.

The 6-foot-1, 218-pounder also brings both versatility and an element of sandpaper to his game. He's flourished both as a center and a winger, and he recorded at least 200 hits in each of the past two seasons.

It's unclear if Miller would be willing to waive his NMC or if the Canucks would be open to moving him. His current absence from the lineup is leaving a gaping hole down the middle of Vancouver's lineup behind Elias Pettersson. Teddy Blueger, Pius Suter, and Aatu Raty are currently centering the team's second, third, and fourth lines, respectively.

The Rangers are also right up against the cap and would have to move out a significant salary to accommodate Miller.

Drury reportedly sent a memo to the 31 other NHL teams that he wants to shake up his club with a trade, citing veterans Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba among the players he's willing to deal. Kaapo Kakko is also reportedly available.