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Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 6:45 AM ET
The Vancouver Canucks’ trade talks with the New York Rangers surrounding J.T. Miller collapsed at some point on Saturday, as first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
A few hours later, before the Rangers' road game against the Montreal Canadiens, New York Post's Larry Brooks revealed the two players who could unlock a deal from the Rangers side.
According to Brooks, the Canucks have their sights set on former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and third-pairing defenseman Braden Schneider as potential returns for their veteran center.
“The noise about Miller and the Rangers, with whom the 15th overall selection of the 2011 draft spent the first five-plus seasons of his career, will spike," Brooks wrote. "Candidates to go the other way will be named. Alexis Lafreniere would be one, Branden Schneider would be the other.”
The Rangers drafted Lafreniere with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft and he has 25 points in 45 games this season. He signed a seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension in October, making him a controllable player with upside.
Schneider, meanwhile, has long been on the Canucks’ radar, and according to Friedman, Vancouver views him as a key piece in any deal involving Miller. However, the Rangers have been reluctant to part with Schneider, who remains a valued member of their defensive corps.
While it’s unclear if talks between Vancouver and New York will resume, insider Rick Dhaliwal reported on Saturday that Miller "had not been asked to waive his no-trade clause," which could indicate both franchises were far from reaching an agreement.
Asked about the failed trade and his future in Vancouver after Saturday's win over the Edmonton Oilers, Miller told reporters he's "planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow," adding, “Whatever happens, happens."
