Report: It appears to be down to just two teams for Canucks forward JT Miller

The Vancouver Canucks have some tough decisions to over the next calendar year and time is running out for GM Patrik Alvin and President Jim Rutherford. As Alvin and Rutherford attempt to get out from under the salary cap mess that former GM Jim Benning put them under, they stand to lose star forward JT Miller either via trade or via free agency next offseason. 

Miller is signed for this upcoming season at a reasonable $5.25 million cap hit but after three consecutive seasons of impressive production, including 32 goals and 99 points this past season, it seems unlikely that the Canucks will be able to afford him long-term. So, if the team is going to lose out on him, now is the time to move him while he can bring back significant assets via trade. After all, if you're the Canucks are you really interested in signing a 30 year old Miller to a seven or eight year contract?

NHL insider Jeff Marek reports that IF a deal goes down for Miller this offseason then it's likely to happen with either the Washington Capitals or the New York Rangers.

From Marek's most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast from Sportsnet:

It very much looks like that if they're going to do a deal that it's either going to be with the Washington Capitals or the New York Rangers.

Jeff Marek

The Rangers, of course, have plenty of draft picks and young players that they could tempt the Canucks with and the Capitals aren't exactly bereft of assets either. Honestly, I could see a deal happening with either team as the Rangers seem desperate to get to the next level while the Capitals are desperate to hold on to their relevancy. With Nicklas Backstrom's future up in the air as well, things could get interesting. Stay tuned.