NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — NHL analyst talked about a trade package that would send J.T. Miller to Carolina Hurricanes (image credit: IMAGN)

NHL analyst drops shocking trade scenario sending Canucks' J.T. Miller to Carolina Hurricanes for 19-year-old Russian winger

Modified Jan 22, 2025 15:39 GMT

NHL insider Corey Pronman of The Athletic suggested a trade involving J.T. Miller and the Carolina Hurricanes. The proposed deal would send Miller to Carolina in exchange for Nikita Artamonov, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a 2025 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick.

This trade would give the Hurricanes an experienced forward.

"Miller would be an ideal fit on Carolina’s center depth chart," Pronman wrote on Tuesday. "Kotkaniemi is a good player but hasn’t developed as hoped in part due to his so-so skating stride. If the Hurricanes include an NHL player of moderate value like Kotkaniemi in the package, they could also put in Artamonov."

Miller has seen a drop in performance this season. After scoring 103 points in 2023-24, he only has 32 points in 36 games. However, he is still an important player for the Canucks, scoring 17 points in 15 wins with a rating of +9. His experience and scoring skills could help Carolina strengthen its roster for a playoff push. The team is second in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 29-16-3.

Artamonov is the most interesting piece in the proposed trade. The winger has been excellent in the KHL this season with 28 points in 42 games. He was drafted 50th overall in 2024 and has the potential to become a solid middle-six forward in the NHL.

The proposed deal also includes Kotkaniemi, who has struggled to develop as expected. He was the third pick in the 2018 NHL draft by the Montreal Canadiens. This season, Kotkaniemi has 22 points, including nine goals in 48 games. He has been performing quietly for the Hurricanes, scoring 18 points in 29 wins with a +14 rating. A change of scenery could help him improve.

J.T. Miller received more ice time but Canucks lost 3-2 to Sabres

The Vancouver Canucks lost 3-2 to the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on Tuesday. J.T. Miller played 20+ minutes for the second straight game and recorded four shots on goal and one assist.

Buffalo scored first through Tage Thompson with a high-slot wrist shot. Phillip Di Giuseppe tied it in the second via a rebound goal with Miller and Soucy's help. Elias Pettersson put Vancouver ahead 2-1 with a wrist shot off a Quinn Hughes pass.

Jiri Kulich tied it 2-2 in the third, scoring from close range after JJ Peterka’s assist and Peterka later scored the game-winner. Thatcher Demko made 23 saves but couldn't stop the late surge.

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