I had some time this morning, so here is my NHL hockey blog post - hope you enjoy the read -
The rumour mill is heating up as speculation builds around the potential for Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders to make a bold move for JT Miller. The Canucks forward seems destined to be moved (and moved to an eastern conference team)—it’s not a question of if but when. As the trade deadline approaches, several teams are reportedly circling, but the Islanders may be uniquely positioned to pull off a deal that addresses their immediate and long-term needs.
The New York Rangers have been linked to Miller, with a package rumoured to include Filip Chytil, pending UFA Ryan Lindgren, and a conditional first-round pick. In my opinion, this offer is underwhelming and leaves room for other teams to present stronger packages.
The New Jersey Devils, for instance, don’t have a 2025 first-round pick to trade but could dangle young talent like Seamus Casey, Anton Silayev, or Simon Nemec. However, their primary need seems to be a third-line center rather than another top-three forward, which could make someone like Scott Laughton a better fit for them.
Carolina is another team lurking in the shadows. They have a first-round pick and a deep prospect pool, but the rumour of a package involving Jack Roslovic (pending UFA) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi is also beatable.
Lamoriello’s history suggests he won’t be content with a short-term rental. He prefers acquiring players who can contribute both today and tomorrow, as evidenced by previous trades for Bo Horvat, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Kyle Palmieri, and Alexander Romanov. The Islanders’ roster feels stagnant after two underwhelming seasons, and it’s clear that Lou cannot bring back the same group if he hopes to push the team into serious contention.
While Lamoriello’s loyalty to his players is well-known, he has made tough decisions before. Josh Bailey and Leo Komarov are examples, and there are questions about whether Cal Clutterbuck—who did not return or retire last offseason—was quietly pushed out. Brock Nelson could be next, especially if Lamoriello decides to capitalize on his current value.
The Canucks’ disappointing season—despite remaining in the playoff race—has led to rumours that management might prioritize futures over NHL-ready players in a Miller trade. This could open the door for Lamoriello to craft a compelling package.
One plausible scenario involves Nelson being traded to Dallas, where he could help solidify their depth. In return, the Islanders could acquire a package including Mavrik Bourque and a 2025 first-round pick. These assets, along with Danny Nelson and Pierre Engvall (to balance the salary), could be flipped to Vancouver for JT Miller.
This trade would give the Canucks two 2025 first-round picks and two strong prospects in Bourque and Danny Nelson to soften the blow of losing Miller. The Islanders, meanwhile, would upgrade their roster by adding Miller, whose age (30) and contract (five years at $8 million AAV) align well with their core.
While the fanbase would likely be upset about losing promising young forward Danny Nelson, it’s worth noting that he’s been impressive and has a high ceiling. However, the Islanders have a history of prospects excelling at the World Juniors but struggling to make the NHL cut—examples include Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom. This could be another case of selling high, similar to the trade involving Aatu Raty.
Looking ahead, the Islanders face significant challenges in improving their roster via free agency. Historically, the team has struggled to attract top-tier UFAs, and the upcoming offseason doesn’t offer many viable options. Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen are expected to command $12-13 million, Brock Boeser seems destined for Minnesota, and Nikolaj Ehlers is one of the few realistic upgrades available. Given these limitations, trades remain the most likely avenue for Lamoriello to bolster the team. This potential deal for Miller could be a key part of that strategy.
Notably, the Islanders would still own their own 2025 first-round pick, which could be a top-10 selection. Additionally, moving Kyle Palmieri could bring in more futures to help offset the loss of young talent like Danny Nelson.
It’s also important to note that Canucks GM Patrik Allvin and Lou Lamoriello have a trade history, having worked together on the Horvat deal. This relationship could play a pivotal role in facilitating another blockbuster trade.
If Lamoriello pulls off this move, the Islanders’ forward group would gain a significant boost. A power play anchored by Mathew Barzal, Horvat, and Miller in a 1-3-1 setup could address a longstanding weakness. The team’s top-eight forwards would include Miller, Barzal, Horvat, Anders Lee, Anthony Duclair, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Dmitri Tsyplakov, and Simon Holmstrom. Depending on the cap situation, the Isles might still have room to pursue a right winger via free agency or trade.
This move wouldn’t come without its risks. Trading Brock Nelson would undoubtedly rattle the Islanders’ fanbase and shake up the locker room. However, Miller represents a clear upgrade and a player who could inject new energy into an organization in need of a jolt. Lamoriello has never shied away from bold moves, and this could be the kind of shakeup that reinvigorates the Islanders.
While the Islanders’ history of success in free agency has been mixed, trades have consistently been Lamoriello’s preferred avenue for significant roster changes. Adding JT Miller could be the kind of statement move that positions the Islanders as a more formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. Whether or not this trade materializes, one thing is certain: Lou Lamoriello is not one to sit idly by when there’s an opportunity to improve his team.