i think we need to go back to basics here. the discussion has got some really off values.
first off, what is the value of a jt miller "simpliciter"? forget the circumstances of the canucks and rangers.
he is 31. he has consistently paced over a ppg for years and is coming off a 100 point season. he plays a dominant physical style like a power winger, is a playmaker, especially on the poweplay, has a hard accurate shot, plays centre well, is dominant on faceoffs, fights and serves as an emotional driver for the team.
that is pretty good. there are very few forwards in the nhl with a better resume than that.
he's also under contract for $8m for five years, taking him to 36. right now that is obviously
a bargain. if the rangers get him, he'll be their fifth highest paid player starting next year. he hasn't been blowing the doors off this season but he's been decent and is only sucked into trade rumours because of a feud with another star. that feud does not hurt his value imo. it is not setting off locker room cancer vibes. the reports are he is beloved but has been too hard on pettersson and that includes the recent comments of brad richardson.
to me the market value of a player of this caliber is very well established: it is three of the following: a high draft pick, a young roster player and a good prospect. one of those assets would conventionally be the big prize.