Bruins Eye Canucks’ J.T. Miller as Trade Deadline Looms

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7, the Vancouver Canucks‘ J.T. Miller has emerged as a prime target for the Boston Bruins, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli. The Bruins, in need of a top-end center, are reportedly closely monitoring Miller’s situation with the struggling Canucks.

“I do believe that the Boston Bruins have kept very close tabs on the Miller situation with the Vancouver Canucks,” Seravalli said during an appearance on “NHL Coast to Coast” on Sports on Prime Canada. “I would term them as a team lurking in the weeds right now to try and monitor those prices.”

Miller, 31, is coming off a career-best season in 2022-23, where he scored 37 goals and tallied 103 points. However, his production has dipped this season, with just eight goals and 33 points in 37 games. Despite the downturn, Miller remains a valuable asset, having notched 435 points in 401 games with the Canucks.

The Bruins’ interest in Miller comes as no surprise, given their well-documented need for a top-line center. Bruins president of hockey operations Cam Neely recently hinted at potential roster adjustments, stating, “We might have to rejig somethings here based on the way this season has played out.”

However, acquiring Miller would come with financial challenges. The veteran center has five years remaining on his contract extension, signed in 2023, with an annual average value of $8 million. To make a deal work, the Bruins would likely need to move salary out, a scenario general manager Don Sweeney has indicated he is open to if it improves the team.

Miller’s potential addition could provide the Bruins with a significant boost, but the Canucks are expected to drive a hard bargain. With the trade deadline just weeks away, the Bruins remain a team to watch as the Miller saga unfolds.