The rumours are beginning to swirl faster and faster. As the race to the deadline approaches, teams are getting their ducks in a row. As teams eye a playoff push and potential reinforcements, there is traction on those tires. One team to watch for is the Pittsburgh Penguins and a J.T. Miller trade.
Pittsburgh Penguins Eye Vancouver Canucks Forward
Rumour: Matt Venzel from Post Gazette discusses the Penguins and Miller
The Penguins recently engaged in trade talks with the Canucks centered on J.T. Miller, the Coraopolis native. Those talks stalled but the door is still ajar.
Plus, Jakob Chychrun is on the radar.
Buckle up. New few days will be fun. https://t.co/ZpQni2sjg9
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) February 28, 2023
What a whirlwind it has been for Ron Hextall and the Penguins. After finally locking up the veterans in Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin, other puzzling moves followed. Trading John Marino has looked like a puzzling move and Jeff Petry is reportedly the block. The team has already waived Kasperi Kapanen and the first domino has fallen. In addition, Brock McGinn is on waivers which could signal bigger moves to come. A JT Miller trade has been discussed and appears could go further.
How This Trade Would Impact The Penguins
As currently constructed, the team is set down the middle with a 1-2 punch of Crosby and Malkin. However, after that, it is dark and gloomy. Jeff Carter has not lived up to the billing and with the core group together for the foreseeable future, winning it all is on the line. JT Miller is an interesting option.
The Vancouver Canucks signed the centre to a massive seven-year $56 million deal last summer. However, he does have a NMC that kicks in next year. If they are to sell it is now. Miller had a career year last season and could be the skill that the Penguins need as he is not a rental.
Up in the Air
Lots of smoke around the #Canucks today. While there’s a lot of JT Miller speculation, I’m told the Canucks & Penguins have had serious discussions about Brock Boeser. Work to be done, and other teams in play, but Boeser chatter picking up and PIT has genuine interest.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2023
It is important to keep in mind here that Trade Deadline comes with lots of chatter. Other reports are saying Brock Boeser may be another name in this conversation. One shouldn’t be surprised if the Pens and Canucks have discussed both names as options.
Vancouver is destined to sell as they enter a retooling period. It may be a bit shocking to see Miller on the block after trading Horvat. All signs become clear that they are building around star centre Elias Pettersson.
Main Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
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