Clearly Canucks top centre J.T. Miller is getting a bit antsy.
If Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin were to say “I’m not trading Miller”, and then he trades J.T. Miller, it makes him a liar. It’s much safer to say this …
“I’m not going to go into any specifics and comment on any talks around the league, but you know, since I got here, you’re always looking to explore to make our team better,” Allvin said. “In discussions to see whether it makes sense or not. The toughest part has been to evaluate the group we have with all the injuries.”
It’s the language of GM’s. Much like coaches who lie every night and say they don’t know the status of a freshly injured player; when the status of the injured player is practically the first thing they learn the minute they walk off the bench. It’s accepted. Wink wink, nudge nudge, go on about your business, nothing to see here.
Fine.
There have been earlier times when it was rather obvious the Canucks weren’t trading Miller, as in the winter of 2021-’22 when that rumour was started and circulated by a member of the local media who had no idea what he was talking about, but needed to perpetuate the story. It made no sense on a number of levels, including the fact Miller had another season on his contract, was the team’s leading scorer on a roll, and the club was on a delightful run under head coach Bruce Boudreau, looking to be that winter’s NHL Cinderella story. One that was putting asses in seats.
This time it’s different.
“It’s very unfortunate, I feel bad for a lot of players when you’re reading some rumours out there,” Allvin stated. “I’m proud of the guys that they’re capable of blocking a lot of noises out and going out to play. We want to create an environment where they feel safe and trusted. The players have galvanized and played very well under the circumstances.”
There was only one very direct question from the invited media on Monday morning to Allvin: “Are there any untouchables on this club when you look at it, aside from Quinn Hughes:”
“Again, I’m not going to comment on any specific names or anything,” Allvin said. “My job is to always listen to see what makes this club better today, tomorrow, and for the future.”
He did openly admit they haven’t made a decision on pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Brock Boeser, but that’s another story. As in, stand by.
In the meantime, the Canucks should destroy the uninspired Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night at Rogers Arena. There’s no doubt they should, and it would help to have their best forward in the line-up.
You’ve heard of addition by subtraction? In the case of trading Miller, it would be subtraction by subtraction, whether it’s him wanting to get the hell out of here that’s the impetus or not.
