According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, recent developments indicate that the New York Rangers proposed a trade deal to the Vancouver Canucks that did not meet their approval. There has been ongoing speculation that Rangers’ General Manager Chris Drury is keen on reacquiring J.T. Miller and has made inquiries about his current availability. While earlier reports suggested that no trade offers were made, Yohe’s latest insights reveal that a one-for-one trade proposal was indeed presented, involving Mika Zibanejad being traded for Miller.

He writes:

“Earlier this season, the Rangers offered struggling center Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver in return for Miller. The Canucks turned down the offer. It’s no secret that the Rangers are very interested in Miller, who was drafted by New York in 2011 and played his first six NHL seasons there.”

This revelation certainly adds a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing trade discussions, especially given the prior rumors that had been circulating. The dynamics of player trades in the NHL can shift rapidly, making it essential for teams to stay flexible and responsive to opportunities.

Did the Rangers Initiate Discussions with Zibanejad Regarding a Potential Trade?

It’s crucial to note that both Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller possess no-move clauses in their respective contracts, which adds complexity to any potential trade scenarios. It raises the question of whether the Rangers intended to consult with Zibanejad about waiving his no-move clause if their offer was accepted, or if the Canucks planned to counter with their terms. Despite various rumors, there has been no concrete report confirming that the Rangers engaged with Zibanejad about this matter. Nevertheless, speculation suggests that the center might be open to waiving his clause for the right deal. Could this proposed trade be that opportunity?

In December, Nick Alberga of Leafs Nation mentioned that the Toronto Maple Leafs might explore the possibility of trading for Zibanejad. He elaborated, stating, “It would be a complicated deal to put together, but at the very least, I think the Leafs should inquire about Mika Zibanejad’s availability.” His sources indicated that Zibanejad would consider waiving his no-movement clause if the right opportunity arose, adding another layer to the ongoing trade dialogue.

The Canucks Declined the Trade Offer—Are They More Open to Negotiations Now?

In the fast-paced NHL environment, a lot can change within a matter of weeks. The Canucks’ decision to reject the initial trade offer may have stemmed from their valuation of Miller over Zibanejad. However, circumstances may have shifted since then. The tension between Miller and teammate Elias Pettersson has escalated, potentially influencing the Canucks’ willingness to engage in trade discussions again.

This brings forth the intriguing possibility: Would the Rangers consider re-engaging the Canucks with a revised offer centered around these two prominent stars? Furthermore, could the Canucks now be more inclined to entertain a deal given the unfolding drama over the past few weeks?

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