On Friday night, the New York Rangers traded for veteran center J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-player deal. In exchange, the Rangers sent center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini, and a 2025 conditional draft pick to Vancouver. New York also received defensemen Jackson Dorrington and Erik Brannstrom.
The Canucks had been expected to trade either Miller or Elias Pettersson following reports of tension between the two players. Miller was unexpectedly scratched before Vancouver’s 5-3 loss to Dallas on Friday, and the teams made the trade official during the game.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin expressed appreciation for Miller’s time with the team, calling him a passionate player and leader. While the decision to move Miller wasn’t easy, Allvin said they were happy with the return from the Rangers, particularly with the additions of Chytil and Mancini, and were eager to see what they would bring to the team.
Miller, 31, was originally drafted by the Rangers as the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He played parts of six seasons in New York before being traded to Tampa Bay on February 26, 2018, along with defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
Miller, currently in the second year of a seven-year, $56 million contract, will be relied upon to strengthen a Rangers lineup that has faced struggles after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season and reaching the Eastern Conference final. This season, Miller has contributed nine goals and 26 assists in 40 games with Vancouver.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged the emotional impact of the trade, noting, “When you’re in this business long enough, there’s going to be things like that. Millsey was a big part of the team. I’m sure he’s emotional. Millsey’s played great hockey for the Canucks and myself. Obviously, a heart-and-soul guy. I think he’s going to do well over there.”
Elias Pettersson, however, chose not to address any personal issues with Miller or discuss what the trade means for him moving forward.
Elias Pettersson declined to discuss his issues with J.T. Miller, stating, “I don’t want to get into that. All we can do is look forward.”
Following the Miller trade, the Canucks acquired defenseman Marcus Pettersson (no relation to Elias) and forward Drew O’Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, Vancouver sent forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, prospect Melvin Fernstrom, and the draft pick they received from the Rangers in the earlier deal.
Currently, New York sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Columbus by five points for the second wild card spot. Vancouver, meanwhile, is in ninth place in the Western Conference, just one point away from a wild card spot.
Over the course of his career, Miller has accumulated 247 goals and 427 assists in 839 games played with the Rangers, Lightning, and Canucks. He’s also registered 12 goals and 44 assists in 91 playoff games. Last season, Miller achieved a career-high 37 goals and 66 assists, setting personal bests with 103 points, 40 power-play points, nine game-winning goals, and 217 hits. During his first stint with the Rangers, Miller posted 72 goals and 100 assists in 341 games.
Filip Chytil, the 25-year-old center who was traded to Vancouver, was selected by the Rangers as the 21st overall pick in the 2017 draft. He has totaled 75 goals and 89 assists in 378 games, including 11 goals and nine assists in 41 games this season.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet shared positive feedback about Filip Chytil, saying, “I heard he’s very excited to come. Mancini, I hear, is a really big defenseman, young, that can play. Yeah, I think there’s some stuff to work with.”
Marcus Pettersson has recorded 14 goals and 119 assists over 444 games with Anaheim and Pittsburgh, while Drew O’Connor has 24 goals and 26 assists in 157 games for the Penguins.
Danton Heinen, now with Vancouver, has accumulated 93 goals and 137 assists in 538 games played for Boston, Anaheim, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver. Vincent Desharnais has one goal and 15 assists in 114 games.
Victor Mancini, 22, made his NHL debut earlier this season, scoring one goal and adding four assists in 15 games with the Rangers. He also posted three goals and seven assists in 23 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
Erik Brannstrom, 25, has 10 goals and 67 assists in 294 games, while Jackson Dorrington, 20, was drafted by Vancouver in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft.