It seems more information is surfacing regarding the failed JT Miller trade. According to Thomas Drance, Filip Chytil and Ryan Lindgren were rumored to be involved in the deal that fell apart over the weekend. The proposed trade would have also included two of Adam Sykora, Jaroslav Chmelar, and Bo Groulx, all of whom were scratched over the weekend while playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
To clarify, this trade would have involved their current second-line center, along with one or possibly two promising prospects (who, while likely to be middle-six players, have significant potential), in addition to a first-round pick for an upgrade at center that comes with a higher salary commitment. Removing Lindgren from the equation might also be beneficial.
Trading Chytil and the prospects doesn’t seem problematic to me, but trading them specifically for Miller does raise concerns. This is an important distinction. If the rumor about first-round pick protections causing the deal to collapse is accurate, then Drury might have been inclined to make another poor trade due to a narrow focus. This wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.
One key question is whether upgrading from Chytil to Miller would significantly enhance the Rangers’ chances of becoming true Stanley Cup contenders this year, or even next year. It’s difficult to say. Chytil’s history of injuries is worrisome, but Miller’s attitude issues—having been traded by three different teams for similar concerns—age (he turns 32 in March), and the possibility of declining performance could also pose risks.
The proposed JT Miller trade could turn out to be a significant mistake with minimal benefits. High risk and low reward is not a viable strategy for building a team, but I seem to hold an unpopular opinion on this matter.
Can anyone, even Chytil himself, confidently assert he will remain healthy throughout the season? Ignoring Chytil’s medical history when considering this trade is a significant oversight.
Without any concussion history, I would argue that Chytil should be untouchable in trades. However, he has dealt with many injuries, and he often leaves the ice after taking hard hits.
I would support trading Zibanejad and Lindgren for JT, but it seems either the Canucks aren’t interested in Zib or he doesn’t want to go there. I think overestimating the current team’s capabilities leads to the belief that they can achieve success this season.
They might reach the playoffs, but what will they achieve beyond that? The Rangers always find themselves in this middle ground between fully committing to a “true rebuild” and “going all in,” without ever fully committing to the latter.
Even in a true rebuild, there’s a need for veteran players. Trocheck and Fox are key building blocks. I’m uncertain if Panarin can still be considered a foundational player. While I appreciate the current young talent, they won’t be the ones leading the team.
I believe JT Miller is only interested in joining the Rangers, which might force the Canucks to ultimately accept the Rangers’ offer when they can no longer manage the situation. The problem is that Drury struggles to negotiate effectively when he desires a player intensely.
So, we may be in a tough spot, unfortunately.
