If Miller is going to NYR then salary needs to come back but Zib ain't it. To move his contract would require sending back major assets to offset that.
It can be done but Rangers gonna have to give up a ton in order to make it happen.
That’s the problem with making this type of a trade. Usually when these trades are made, the team trading Miller in this example, is going younger and they don’t need instant gratification type players in return. They get under 23s or picks/prospects. The Canucks want that instant player, but with Miller picking where he’s gonna land, they’re screwed unless they can broker a third team in this, who will take Zibanejad. If not, they’re almost forced to take him, and who knows, maybe he reverts to who he was 2 years ago, and the expected issues never transpire, everyone is happy.
On the Rangers end of things, that’s almost a perfect trade for them right now, because under normal conditions for a trade like this, they’re including a package of 3 under 23 assets. If they did that today, and Miller doesn’t work out, it could really set them up for a bad run of years. They don’t have much depth in their system, and have lots of prospects people might know by name, but scouts have reservations about. So they miss with 1-2 of these prospects, and send 2 for Miller, they’re system is empty and their roster gets old really fast. So they should be all over a Zib for JT Miller deal.
What’s even crazier right now is, Vancouver will likely want more than that from the Rangers, and likely would get a K Miller as well. A kid who’s likely on his way out anyway, as he’s not taken that next step, and he’s Arbitration Eligible this summer. Fully expect him traded anyway, prior to the deadline. Also expect him to flourish somewhere else with more opportunity.
Whatever the case, the Rangers being the team of Miller’s choice, hold a lot of the cards here, but won’t be getting this done for just Zibanejad straight up. The Canucks would just back away, unless this situation is much worse than we know. I just dont see the Canucks ok with Zibanejad. Maybe I’m wrong though.
Good bet, the Rangers are currently trying to find a taker for Zibanejad, so he’s not that player ending up in Vancouver. Problem is, he’s gonna choose where he’s gonna go too. What if he says, “Vancouver sounds really nice, and that’s where I’m willing to go?”
Can they get him to go to one of the other Swede friendly teams? Probably, but with his contract, they’re taking money back AND likely have to include something else. Then we don’t even know if those pieces they get would interest the Canucks.
It’s a mess. I’m gonna guess nothing comes of this Rangers thing, unless they can pawn Zibanejad off on another team. I bet Miller ends up somewhere like Columbus, surprising everyone.
