The Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers completed a significant trade on January 31, 2025, sending J.T. Miller back to the Rangers. The Rangers also acquired Erik Brännström and Jackson Dorrington in the deal. In return, the Canucks received Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Miller's return to New York marked his second stint with the franchise, where he had previously spent the first six years of his NHL career after being drafted by the Rangers in 2011. Before the trade, rumors of a feud between Miller and Elias Pettersson had surfaced, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding Miller's departure from Vancouver. While Miller's performance with the Canucks that season was considered somewhat disappointing, with 9 goals and 26 assists in 40 games, his history demonstrated an elite level of offensive production. In the three seasons before the trade, Miller ranked among the league's top players in assists and points.
The Rangers, who were struggling to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference at the time, hoped that Miller's acquisition would inject dynamic playmaking ability into their lineup. Miller still had five years remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $8 million, which the Canucks did not retain any of. The Canucks, in turn, aimed to create salary cap space and fill the void left by Miller's departure.
The first-round pick that Vancouver obtained was top 13 protected, meaning that if the Rangers' pick fell within the top 13, it would be transferred to 2026. Ultimately, the Rangers' pick was #12, and the Canucks selected Braeden Cootes with the pick.
As of late January 2026, about a year after the trade, opinions are divided on which team benefitted the most. Some analysts suggest that Vancouver "cashed in" on Miller, especially considering his performance in New York. While Miller is on pace for approximately 50 points this season, some observers believe his overall value has declined, despite the fact he is signed for $8 million per year until 2030. Others point out that Miller may have been playing hurt for a significant portion of the year and is still a valuable leader.
On the other hand, the Canucks have not seen the expected results from Filip Chytil, and Victor Mancini has not yet established himself as an NHL regular. The success of Braeden Cootes, their 2025 first-round pick, remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the long-term implications of the trade will depend on the development of the players involved and the future success of both the Canucks and the Rangers.