In response to rumors that the Minnesota Wild might be interested in bringing Brock Boeser back to his home state, Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province indicate that it’s not actually Boeser the Wild are interested in. Kuzma is reporting that the Wild have reached out to the Canucks and shown interest in acquiring JT Miller.
According to Kuzma, the Wild are sensing that the Canucks are in a free fall and while the Canucks know this is a time (panic mode) where trades are often lost, there’s still a feeling that they might make a move. The Wild want to take advantage and be ready if a move does come.
That doesn’t mean the Wild aren’t prepared to give a good player back in return. According to Kuzma:
In a Miller acquisition, the Wild would likely dangle winger Kevin Fiala, 25, who has had ample opportunity to score, but has just three goals despite 58 shots — which speaks to his minuscule 5.1 shooting percentage. He’s also in the final year of a contract that carries a US $5.1-million salary cap hit.
There has been some talk the past few weeks that the relationship between the Wild and Fiala is souring and that he’s not part of the long-term future for the team. Having chosen to only sign him to a one-year deal this summer, the Wild are reportedly more interested in prioritizing other players on the roster and Fiala could be on his way out. Kuzma writes that it would likely be Fiala and the Wild’s 2022 second-round election for Miller.
If Vancouver were to make this move, they’d certainly be acquiring a player with skill, but there would be questions about inconsistency and his next contract. There would also be questions about how this trade actually helps the Canucks and whether or not it addresses their on-ice needs.
Miller is tied for 10th in NHL scoring right now and if they are moving him, this is their chance to sell high on the player.
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