Report: Canucks were close to Miller trade, deal currently off

The Vancouver Canucks came close to trading J.T. Miller on Saturday, but the apparent deal is currently off, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on "Saturday Headlines."

The Canucks planned to scratch Miller for their contest against the Edmonton Oilers due to progressing trade talks, Friedman reports, but the veteran will play.

The New York Rangers are believed to be the team inquiring about Miller, according to Friedman.

The Canucks have been embroiled in drama of late, with an apparent rift forming between Miller and fellow star forward Elias Pettersson. Miller hasn't requested a trade, his agent Brian Bartlett told CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal.

The 31-year-old Miller has eight goals and 29 points in 34 games this season after setting career highs with 37 goals and 103 points last year. He's signed through 2029-30 at an $8-million cap hit and has a full no-move clause.

The 31-year-old was drafted by the Rangers and spent six campaigns in New York from 2012-18.

The Canucks have permitted teams to talk to Miller, Friedman reports. Vancouver sent a note to rival clubs forbidding them from speaking to its players without express permission, added Friedman.

Pettersson has told the Canucks that he'd like to stay in Vancouver, and the team's preference is to keep him, Friedman reports.

The 26-year-old is in the first campaign of an eight-year extension, though his no-move clause doesn't kick in until July 1 this summer. The Swede carries a $11.6-million cap hit.

Pettersson has 10 goals and 29 points in 38 games this season. He set a career-high of 39 goals and 102 points in 2022-23.

The Canucks are one point out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.