Grub's Canucks & NHL News, Rumours, and & Fantasy GM | Early Trade Deadline

[Wisp]

Dreger is probably right that Miller is always going to be in the rumour mill just cause but I still can't help but think back to my suspicion that 'Miller needs a reset' is going to escalate to 'Miller needs a change of scenery' eventually.

 

[TruGr1t]

Moving Miller now makes more sense than it ever has, obviously, given his age and the fact this doesn’t look like their season. That contract always had an expiry date before he was off the books due to length, so pending return it wouldn’t totally surprise me if they move him.

It’s more about optimizing around Hughes, so if it helps you do that then go for it. I’ve little doubt management moves him over Pettersson.

 

[Quinning]

You guys are out of your mind if you think a franchise that’s in the business of making money by selling tickets is going to start selling off assets while currently in a playoff position.

I hate that this is true, but it is.

Aquilinis have always only cared about one thing - playoff revenue.

Moving Miller now makes more sense than it ever has, obviously, given his age and the fact this doesn’t look like their season. That contract always had an expiry date before he was
off the books due to length, so pending return it wouldn’t totally surprise me if they move him.

It’s more about optimizing around Hughes, so if it helps you do that then go for it. I’ve little doubt management moves him over Pettersson.

I'd agree with this, only because Miller will get a larger return despite his age because he isn't injured, and he plays a style that will appeal to a ton of old school GMs. Pettersson has been dealing with chronic injuries and doesn't have the same bite to this game.

 

[Nuckles]

I have a very hard time seeing the team move Miller this season unless they go on a crazy bad run, like losing 13 of the next 16 games and plummeting down the standings.

But even then he has a full NMC, so the return would likely be very underwhelming so they'd be better off holding on to him for next season.

 

[Josepho]

I hate that this is true, but it is.

Aquilinis have always only cared about one thing - playoff revenue.

There are extremely few cases (Glencross/Shattenkirk/Clowe) where a team in a playoff spot has traded an upcoming UFA. This is far from an Aquilini-exclusive thing.

The only way a guy like Suter or Boeser is traded is if the team plummets and he's completely out of their price range. There is absolutely no chance Lankinen is getting moved.

 

[Quinning]

There are extremely few cases (Glencross/Shattenkirk/Clowe) where a team in a playoff spot has traded an upcoming UFA. This is far from an Aquilini-exclusive thing.

The only way a guy like Suter is traded is if the team plummets and he's completely out of their price range. There is absolutely no chance Lankinen is getting moved.

If a team with struggling goalies offers a mid-first for Lankinen, I think you kind of have to take that and run (unless you're moving Demko instead). Unless it's someone like Edmonton, in which case they can get f***ed.

Don't see him being shopped, but if desperate teams come calling it's in your best interest to listen. All comes down to the price tag and where he'd be going.

 

[Diversification]

I wonder if there is a deal to be had with NYR centered around Miller and K'AM? There would need to be more cap coming back and that's where things can get ugly: Lindgren or Chytil

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

If the Rags want Miller:

Laf + KAM

or

Cuylle, KAM + 2025 1st

 

[Kickassguy]

Because I had minor surgery this morning and am working on a recap right now. Impatience leads to Taj.

Hope everything went well, bud

 

[Vector]

Hope everything went well, bud

All good. Extremely minor and was finally addressing something that’s been bugging me for many years.

 

[Vector]

Time to hammer on that panic button, Drury.

 

[Canuckle1970]

Because I had minor surgery this morning and am working on a recap right now. Impatience leads to Taj.

Hope all is well, Vec.

 

[Vector]

Hope all is well, Vec.

My wife took the kids to Japanese event in town until 3pm so I got a lot of quiet time at home. So if anything, things are going better than usual!

 

[Curm]

If Miller goes to the Rangers, a center has to be part of the package coming back, and it can't be Zibby. So Trochek? The Canucks can't run Pettersson, Suter, Blueger, and Raty/Sasson/Aman down the middle.

 

[Peter Griffin]

If Miller goes to the Rangers, a center has to be part of the package coming back, and it can't be Zibby. So Trochek? The Canucks can't run Pettersson, Suter, Blueger, and Raty/Sasson/Aman down the middle.

There’s always the option of making another trade for a center.

 

[Isi]

They tried to re-sign both of them, so I don't think the original intention was for them to solely be rentals.

Sure....but I don't believe that when they traded for them they considered them as pure rentals...they just happened to price themselves out of where we wanted to spend on them. And I also don't think you'll see them go after any rentals this year, at least not until closer to the deadline when they have a better understanding of the landscape in front of them.

Lindholm for sure should have been treated as a rental though. Anybody with any sort intelligence knew he was about to sign a 2016 FA-style bad contract. We never should have been trying to re-sign Lindholm.

 

[Vector]

I find Allvin very interesting so read through the whole thing but the most attention grabbing section will be the following:

Sportsnet: Regarding those top players, Quinn Hughes has been fabulous on defence. Goaltender Thatcher Demko and forwards J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser all missed significant time, and then struggled to regain top form. And Filip Hronek is still out. But what about Elias Pettersson, who didn’t miss a game until Saturday?

Allvin: I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself. I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension (the $92.8-million contract Pettersson signed in March). . . life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then obviously the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure.

Sportsnet: You do have an out on that contract because Pettersson’s trade protection doesn’t start until next season. But is moving your 26-year-old star actually possible?

Allvin (smiling): Well, you know Jim's history.

We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible.

 

[ihaveyuidonttouchme]

Meh still avoiding defence depth

 

[Kryten]

I find Allvin very interesting so read through the whole thing but the most attention grabbing section will be the following:

Sportsnet: Regarding those top players, Quinn Hughes has been fabulous on defence. Goaltender Thatcher Demko and forwards J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser all missed significant time, and then struggled to regain top form. And Filip Hronek is still out. But what about Elias Pettersson, who didn’t miss a game until Saturday?

Allvin: I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself. I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension (the $92.8-million contract Pettersson signed in March). . . life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then obviously the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure.

Sportsnet: You do have an out on that contract because Pettersson’s trade protection doesn’t start until next season. But is moving your 26-year-old star actually possible?

Allvin (smiling): Well, you know Jim's history.

We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible.

Oh my

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

I find Allvin very interesting so read through the whole thing but the most attention grabbing section will be the following:

Sportsnet: Regarding those top players, Quinn Hughes has been fabulous on defence. Goaltender Thatcher Demko and forwards J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser all missed significant time, and then struggled to regain top form. And Filip Hronek is still out. But what about Elias Pettersson, who didn’t miss a game until Saturday?

Allvin: I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself. I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension (the $92.8-million contract Pettersson signed in March). . . life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then obviously the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure.

Sportsnet: You do have an out on that contract because Pettersson’s trade protection doesn’t start until next season. But is moving your 26-year-old star actually possible?

Allvin (smiling): Well, you know Jim's history.

We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible.

I hope he turns this same critical eye on his efforts to address the defensive depth last summer.

 

[arttk]

Oh my

Brace

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

I have my quibbles with Allvin but he's definitely watching the same team we all are, and I'll never take that for granted from this management group again after Jimbo.

 

[Vector]

I find Allvin very interesting so read through the whole thing but the most attention grabbing section will be the following:

Sportsnet: Regarding those top players, Quinn Hughes has been fabulous on defence. Goaltender Thatcher Demko and forwards J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser all missed significant time, and then struggled to regain top form. And Filip Hronek is still out. But what about Elias Pettersson, who didn’t miss a game until Saturday?

Allvin: I think, again, it comes back to expectations and preparation, how you prepare yourself. I don't believe that he was aware of just how hard it was going to be. Just because you achieve one thing to get a long-term extension (the $92.8-million contract Pettersson signed in March). . . life just gets harder. You haven't really accomplished anything. You're not even halfway there (to winning a Stanley Cup). And then obviously the mental part comes in there, too, and suddenly you feel the pressure.

Sportsnet: You do have an out on that contract because Pettersson’s trade protection doesn’t start until next season. But is moving your 26-year-old star actually possible?

Allvin (smiling): Well, you know Jim's history.

We want to build a team that sets us up for long-term success. Building around the long-term deals with Miller and Petey, having Quinn and Demko locked up, Filip Hronek and Jake DeBrusk, I mean, those are big pieces. Petey has shown up to this point that he is an extremely talented, quality player that could and should be a No. 1 centre. I believe in him. I believe that he's capable. (But) he needs to mature and understand that there are certain expectations and it does not get easier. And you need to face the music when things don't go well. Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible.

Here's my full recap.

Opinion of 2024

• Can’t be happy or satisfied
• Always striving to get better
• If you take away the standings, there’s a lot of frustration
• Have seen games where they play really well but then give it away
• Losing points that are hard to make up in the 2nd half of the season
• Describes his feeling as “more half-empty”

Loss to the Kraken

• Was the hardest loss of the season
• Need to thrive in games like that

Best Players Underperforming

• Haven’t got the most out of specific players; would have more wins if they were playing better; expects more from them
• Have been fortunate that other players have contributed

Elias Pettersson

• Was not aware of how hard it was going to be to prepare for the season
• Haven’t accomplished anything just because he signed a big contract
• Now the mental aspect has come into play and is feeling pressure
• is asked about trading Pettersson before his NMC kicks
• Smiles “Well, you know Jim’s history”
• Building a team that is set up for long-term success
• Mentions Miller, Pettersson, Hughes, Demko, Hronek, and DeBrusk as long-term pieces
• Pettersson has shown that he’s extremely talented and should be a #1 centre
• Believes in Pettersson
• Pettersson needs to mature and understand that there are expectation & this does not get easier
• Need to “face the music” when things aren’t going well
• “Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible”

Rick Tocchet

• Is a great coach and communicator; players have responded really well to him
• Tocchet’s job is to find solutions to the inconsistency
• Tocchet is well-respected by the players and works really hard
• Tocchet takes ownership of the Canucks not being at the expected level

Being Patient

• There are hardly any trades
• Need to work and fix the players you have
• Sometimes a message needs to be sent by shaking things up

Trade Chatter

• “There’s been some very in-depth conversations around the league”
• Parity around the league makes it harder to trade
• Mentions how the Canucks played great against Florida and Colorado but were terrible in between; questions what they are as a team

Brock Boeser

• Thinks there’s time to get an extension done; can happen quickly
• Trying to figure out what they are as a team
• Has him in the same boat as Miller & Petterson because he needs to give the team more

Kevin Lankinen

• Ways to afford both Lankinen and Demko
• Has been really good for the team
• Very small sample size

Going into 2025

• Team identity has been vague this season; with no identity; success isn’t sustainable long-term
• Wants to see more consistency; everything else will get taken care of if they can do that

 

[Nucker42]

Here's my full recap.

Opinion of 2024

• Can’t be happy or satisfied
• Always striving to get better
• If you take away the standings, there’s a lot of frustration
• Have seen games where they play really well but then give it away
• Losing points that are hard to make up in the 2nd half of the season
• Describes his feeling as “more half-empty”

Loss to the Kraken

• Was the hardest loss of the season
• Need to thrive in games like that

Best Players Underperforming

• Haven’t got the most out of specific players; would have more wins if they were playing better; expects more from them
• Have been fortunate that other players have contributed

Elias Pettersson

• Was not aware of how hard it was going to be to prepare for the season
• Haven’t accomplished anything just because he signed a big contract
• Now the mental aspect has come into play and is feeling pressure
• is asked about trading Pettersson before his NMC kicks
• Smiles “Well, you know Jim’s history”
• Building a team that is set up for long-term success
• Mentions Miller, Pettersson, Hughes, Demko, Hronek, and DeBrusk as long-term pieces
• Pettersson has shown that he’s extremely talented and should be a #1 centre
• Believes in Pettersson
• Pettersson needs to mature and understand that there are expectation & this does not get easier
• Need to “face the music” when things aren’t going well
• “Is it (a trade) possible? I guess I would say anything is possible”

Rick Tocchet

• Is a great coach and communicator; players have responded really well to him
• Tocchet’s job is to find solutions to the inconsistency
• Tocchet is well-respected by the players and works really hard
• Tocchet takes ownership of the Canucks not being at the expected level

Being Patient

• There are hardly any trades
• Need to work and fix the players you have
• Sometimes a message needs to be sent by shaking things up

Trade Chatter

• “There’s been some very in-depth conversations around the league”
• Parity around the league makes it harder to trade
• Mentions how the Canucks played great against Florida and Colorado but were terrible in between; questions what they are as a team

Brock Boeser

• Thinks there’s time to get an extension done; can happen quickly
• Trying to figure out what they are as a team
• Has him in the same boat as Miller & Petterson because he needs to give the team more

Kevin Lankinen

• Ways to afford both Lankinen and Demko
• Has been really good for the team
• Very small sample size

Going into 2025

• Team identity has been vague this season; with no identity; success isn’t sustainable long-term
• Wants to see more consistency; everything else will get taken care of if they can do that

A lot of bombshells here.

Petey not being safe is my biggest take away. No idea how based on these comments this team can do anything other than sell.

 

[Curm]

There’s always the option of making another trade for a center.

There is, but Miller would leave a bigger hole in the lineup than a 2nd pairing defenseman, the cost to replace him would be significant. He's arguably the team's second-best skater.

Or they can get an adequate replacement and suitable D in the same deal, which is why a talked about Pettersson for Byram and Cozens type trade would be appealing.

I wouldn't be opposed to a five or six piece deal between the Canucks and Rangers with Trochek and KA Miller coming this way. Add-ons by both teams to even out the dollars and whatnot. Make it an absolute blockbuster, even.