The Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers after discussions about the forward’s future with the team, general manager Patrik Allvin said Saturday.
“J.T. Miller, the reason why he’s good in the league is that he’s super competitive, and he’s walking the fine line at times,” Allvin told reporters. “And I also think that he’s been dealing with a lot of other things. I wouldn’t just say it’s about two players, it’s about 23 men.”
The trade ended speculation about tension between Miller and Elias Pettersson. Miller missed 10 games this season while on personal leave.
“In a dressing room you hold each other accountable,” Allvin said. “We’re not running a country club here, we’re running a professional hockey team, and the players demand a lot from themselves and each other. So it’s going to be a competitive environment.”
Miller, who had a full no-movement clause, did not request the trade. Discussions about his future began two months ago.
“This was a conversation between myself and J.T. and his agent,” Allvin said. “It started about two months ago with his health and the environment we had. During the time and during the discussions leading up to yesterday, I felt that he probably needed a fresh start in where he was in his life and in his age, and with his family, (and) that this was the best option for him and the Vancouver Canucks.”
The Canucks received center Filip Chytil, defense prospect Victor Mancini, and a conditional first-round pick for Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson Dorrington.
Vancouver then traded the first-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a five-player deal that brought defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O’Connor to the Canucks.
Miller scored twice in his Rangers return Saturday.
