Despite reported reluctance to leave New York, J.T. Miller's name has surfaced as a potential fit for the Minnesota Wild as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Minnesota Wild's General Manager, Bill Guerin, is known for his aggressive pursuit of talent to bolster the team's competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Miller, currently the captain of the New York Rangers, has a full no-move clause in his contract, meaning any trade would require his consent. Recent reports suggest that Miller may not be inclined to waive this clause. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun stated that Miller has no intention of waiving his no-move clause, and the Rangers have no intention of asking him to waive it. The Rangers, who acquired Miller just last year, value his leadership and skill, viewing him as a key component of their future.
However, the allure of the Minnesota Wild, and Guerin's known admiration for Miller as a "hard-nosed, surly" player who excels in faceoffs and scoring, could potentially sway his decision. Insiders Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic have pointed out that Miller fits the kind of player Guerin admires. They noted that Guerin has a "soft spot" for Miller, who is hard-nosed, surly, excellent in the faceoff circle, and someone who can score, with a career-high 37 goals and 103 points in 2023-24.
The Wild's recent acquisition of defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks adds another layer to the Miller speculation. Hughes could potentially act as a sounding board for Guerin, offering insights into the circumstances surrounding Miller's departure from Vancouver and his relationship with former Canucks star Elias Pettersson.
Acquiring Miller would not be without its challenges for the Wild. He is currently in a seven-year, $56 million contract, with an $8 million average annual value (AAV). His contract runs through the 2029-30 season. Taking on this contract would limit the Wild's financial flexibility in pursuing other high-profile players in the future, such as Jack and Luke Hughes, or Brady Tkachuk.
Despite these challenges, the Wild's desire to compete for a Stanley Cup could make them willing to explore all options. The team's window for contention is now, with key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes in their prime.
If the Wild were to seriously pursue Miller, they would likely need to offer a compelling package to the Rangers. The Wild could offer their 2027 first-round pick, along with prospects like Danila Yurov, or younger defensemen such as David Jiricek or David Spacek. However, after the Quinn Hughes trade, the Wild may not have all that much "dry powder" left.
Ultimately, whether J.T. Miller ends up in a Minnesota Wild jersey depends on several factors, including his willingness to waive his no-move clause and the Wild's ability to construct a trade package that appeals to the Rangers. While Miller may be seen as a good fit for the Wild, his reluctance to leave New York remains a significant hurdle.
