NHL Rumors: Canucks Forward Prefers To Play For US Team

While on Sportsnet 650, Frank Seravalli stated that he believes that Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller will want to sign with a team in the United States when his contract expires.

Does JT Miller want to play in the States and how does that impact what the #Canucks decide to do with him?@frank_seravalli joined #Canucks Central with @danriccio_ and @SatiarShah to talk about Miller, Garland, and more!

🟢 https://t.co/lJN6l8wd9d
🍎 https://t.co/5C1lTefdiN pic.twitter.com/HeO1iL1iBZ
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) January 31, 2022

If Seravalli's prediction is true, this is only another reason why Miller's name has come up in the rumor mill. When looking at how good of a player he is, the Canucks cannot run the risk of losing him for nothing via free agency after next season. Furthermore, they of course are looking to free up cap space as well, too.

Miller has been the best skater on the Canucks all season. In 43 games this campaign, he has 15 goals, 29 assists, and a plus-5 rating. It has already been reported that the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Calgary Flames have expressed interest in him. Yet, the Flames may drop out of the sweepstakes if Miller does in fact prefer to play in the United States from here.

As we get closer to the deadline, we will have to wait and see what occurs. The Canucks aren't necessarily in a position where they need to rush a trade, as Miller has another year left on his deal after this one. He also hasn't requested a trade, as Seravalli noted. Yet, if the veteran wants to play for a US team and won't sign an extension with Vancouver, it feels that his time with the team is ticking.