Reviewing the Miller trade

On January 31, 2025, the Vancouver Canucks shipped off J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini and a first-round pick. For the Canucks, it was an underwhelming return; for the Rangers, it revitalized their season.

And with less than three weeks to go in the regular season, the Miller of the New York Rangers continues to be the most impactful trade acquisition in the NHL this season. There really are few players who switched teams this season who have caused a greater impact than Miller has with the Rangers. But even at the time of the transaction, the Miller trade received mixed reviews for Vancouver but surprise kudos for New York Rangers' President and GM Chris Drury.

"Miller is going to thrive in New York. Jim Rutherford and the Canucks mishandled this terrible trade. A guy with Miller's passion and competitiveness – along with his skill – is so rare. He's such a well-rounded team player. Yes, he's very demanding but so are most of the greats."

Toronto hockey analyst, Mark Nussbaum

While we're here, let's review and grade the trade — starting with the numbers. The 32-year-old center has been a point-per-game player, with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 24 games. Not to mention the fact that as of presstime he's had goals in four consecutive matchups.

But, numbers only share part of Miller's story and role with the Blueshirts. Yes, the Rangers acquired him to produce offensively and play a big role in all game situations, including the power play and penalty kill. But he was also brought in to help change the culture inside the locker room and help enforce playing a committed, heavy game on a nightly basis for a team that shows a lack of effort far too often.

Overall, it would be treason for Blue Line Station to give Miller and his trade anything other than an A for his return to Broadway seven years after the Rangers traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"[J.T. Miller] does everything the right way."

Head Coach Peter Laviolette