No. 1: J.T Miller
The Trade:
- Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: J.T. Miller
- Vancouver Canucks acquire: 2022 1st Round Pick, Alex Kerfoot and Nick Robertson
The Canucks have priced themselves out of being able to afford J.T Miller after this season, so the team may be inclined to trade him to get an asset before he walks out for free.
Vancouver is a fringe playoff-team, so although Miller would help their chances, acquiring a first-round pick, top-nine forward in Kerfoot and potential top-six winger in Robertson could really intrigue them.
Robertson’s skill is something that any team would want to acquire, but it’s his contract that makes him more valuable as he has cost-certainty for the next two years.
Although you never want to lose a potential player like Robertson, Toronto would be trading for someone who they know is really good, right now. Robertson may be really good next year, or he may be terrible. Nobody really knows at this point, but at least with Miller, you know you’re getting a guaranteed 20-goal scorer and someone who has the potential of scoring a point-per game.
During his last three seasons, he has 74 goals and 217 points in 202 games played, so it’s not like his 2021-22 season was a fluke. Miller has continued to show that he’s a perfect top-six forward and at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, he’d bring a different element to Toronto’s top-six.
Who cares if you can’t afford to pay him after this year. Make the trade, improve the roster and give yourself a better opportunity to win today.