As the New York Rangers try to stay afloat this season, they’ve been linked to a trade for Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller. According to The Athletic, the Rangers and Canucks have reportedly discussed a deal that could send Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, and a first-round draft pick to Vancouver in exchange for the 31-year-old forward.
Miller, who started his NHL career with the Rangers, has become a consistent offensive force for the Canucks. He even recorded a career-high 103 points in the 2023-24 season. But the question remains — is now the right time for the Rangers to bring him back?
Miller Is a Good Player, But This Isn’t the Right Moment
Miller is a proven top-six forward and has already shown he can thrive in the NHL. Still, adding him now might not be the smartest move for New York. The Rangers are currently chasing a wild-card spot, with four teams ahead of them in the standings. According to moneypuck.com, they have just a 50.8% chance of making the playoffs.
Trading valuable assets like Chytil, Lindgren, and a first-round pick to potentially just squeak into the postseason doesn’t seem wise. If Miller helps the team only slightly, it might push them into the middle of the pack—not quite bad enough to draft high, but not strong enough to make a deep playoff run.
The Smarter Strategy? Wait Until Summer
Instead of rushing into a deal now, the Rangers should consider waiting until the off-season to revisit a trade for Miller—or any top-tier forward. This would give them time to:
- Reassess their roster needs
- See how this season finishes
- Explore the free agent market for a top-two center
This also helps them keep their draft pick in a year where the 2025 NHL Draft is loaded with talent. A good young player on a cheap entry-level contract could be more beneficial long term, especially after the team’s mixed results with previous high picks like Kaapo Kakko.
There’s Still a Core to Build Around
Even if the Rangers miss the playoffs this year, they still have a solid foundation:
- Artemi Panarin is an elite winger
- Adam Fox is one of the league’s best defensemen
- Igor Shesterkin remains a top-tier goalie
- Alexis Lafreniere is showing real development
Adding the right pieces at the right time will be crucial. Rushing into a trade for Miller now could derail the team’s long-term vision.
There’s no denying that J.T. Miller is a strong NHL player. But making a big trade for him right now might not be in the Rangers’ best interest. The team needs to stay patient, look at the bigger picture, and possibly revisit this opportunity in the off-season — when they have more flexibility and a clearer sense of direction.
Sometimes, the best move is no move at all — and this might just be one of those times.
