Ex-NHL AGM drops 3-way blockbuster trade scenario sending J.T. Miller to Rangers, $45.5M forward to Detroit Red Wings

By ARJUN B

Modified Dec 25, 2024 11:46 GMT

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Ex-NHL assistant general manager Steve Werier proposed an intriguing three-way blockbuster trade between the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Vancouver Canucks.

With all three teams looking to shake up their rosters, this hypothetical deal would send some big names in new directions.

The main principals involved are Rangers winger Chris Kreider, who signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract in 2020, Red Wings center JT Compher, Canucks forward JT Miller and Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

Here are the full details of Werier's proposed trade:

To the Canucks: JT Compher (four years left at $5.1 million AAV) from Detroit, Lindgren (expiring $4.5 million deal) from New York, the Red Wings' 2025 second-round pick and the higher of Detroit's two 2025 third-round picks.

To the Rangers: JT Miller (four years left at $8 million AAV) from Vancouver.

To the Red Wings: Chris Kreider (three years left at $6.5 million AAV) from New York.

The most notable part of this theoretical three-way trade is the two "JT's" changing teams - JT Miller going to the Rangers, the team that had originally drafted him, and JT Compher going from Detroit to Vancouver. If this trade happens, it would be the first in NHL history involving multiple players with the initials "JT."

Werier noted that Miller has a full no-move clause, which lowers his trade value, as he controls where he could go. But that clause transitions to a 15-team no-trade clause soon, opening up more possibilities for Vancouver to trade him this season or in the future.

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Steve Werier discusses Rangers trade scenarios with analyst Satiar Shah

When former NHL executive Steve Werier floated his hypothetical three-team blockbuster trade involving the Canucks, Rangers and Red Wings, analyst Satiar Shah raised some doubts about the return for Vancouver.

“Canucks, easily say no, not a single premium asset going back to VAN,” Shah tweeted.

Werier acknowledged that the critique was fair but suggested:

“If you rephrase the return as “$3m longterm cap space and a late 1st” (an easy hop if DET’s 2nd is in the 35 OA range) then you get close to your premium asset. Comes down to how much (if at all) you think the mkt value of VAN’s asset has changed YTD."

Shah agreed he isn't huge on JT Compher, seeing him unlikely to be a 2C on a contender. He noted that finding a high-end center is difficult and that Miller's value probably isn't enough to warrant trading him away. Shah added that this is why he likes Vancouver trading Bo Horvat - cashing in on a more valuable asset.

Werier concurred but said you just need one motivated buyer for Miller's value to be high enough for a trade.

He suggested a GM on the hot seat may focus on short-term gains and take risks, viewing Miller as a potential quick turnaround. With Miller being the best player potentially available, Werier still sees a possible deal.