I can still see a possible Miller trade as well.
There are aging playoff teams that can't wait to develop younger players.
Pittsburgh, Washington, Boston, Vegas
And then there are teams ready to take the next step that might want a high scoring veteran.
Plus teams in the same position as the Canucks, TO. What happens when Mathews contract expires after next year. For the price of Mathews if they think they can't either afford him or he wants to go, Miller and Horvat for the same price? Ya not a thought really but thinking outside of the box. Sort of like a pre-emptive Gaudreau situation.
GM's should be concerned about possibilities and thinking more than just now.
IMHO Miller to Washington seems almost a perfect fit, just not a fantastic return, maybe two 1rst's if lucky or just this year's. The cap space is the winner there more than anything. Back east Miller is a 99 pt player without the drama.
I think the Miller to WSH ship is sailing with Backstrom looking like he will actually return this season and come off LTIR. Although we could do a deal where we're just taking back a mediocre contract to cover the 5.4MM for Miller his year (Mantha?)—WSH has so many UFAs this offseason that they wouldn't have an issue with the tagging rule for next season at least.