Some NHL Trade Deadline buzz centers around former players reuniting with familiar places and faces.
As the NHL Trade Deadline is only a couple of months away, the idea of teams bringing back former players has gained some steam in recent weeks. Insiders and analysts have thrown out the names of a few high-profile NHLers, theorizing they could return to where they once made their mark.
Here’s a look at four intriguing scenarios that could see J.T. Miller, Taylor Hall, Elias Pettersson, and Ryan O’Reilly don familiar jerseys or play with familiar faces again.
J.T. Miller to the Rangers
The New York Rangers are reportedly exploring the possibility of reacquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks. Miller, drafted by the Rangers in 2011, has been a standout in Vancouver but remains a polarizing figure. An extremely intense player, he’s had one too many dust-ups with other stars on the roster, specifically Elias Pettersson. Rumors suggest the Canucks are taking offers, and Rangers’ GM Chris Drury has inquired about Miller.
There are logistical hurdles—like Miller’s and Mika Zibanejad’s no-move clauses—that could complicate the deal.
The Rangers, who recently signaled a willingness to shake up their roster, may see Miller as the boost they need. They could use a more intense guy to get a few floaters back into line. However, his long-term contract, with an AAV of $8 million, means this isn’t an easy deal to make the Canucks will want a significant return. Talk that they already turned down Zibanejad is out there. How high will the Rangers go to bring back a familiar face?
Taylor Hall Back to Edmonton
According to Scott Powers of The Athletic:
Taylor Hall is the likeliest Blackhawks player to appeal to contending teams at the deadline. Although his production has tailed off in the last month, he’s still close to a 20-goal pace.
While it’s unclear if teams are considering adding him, the Edmonton Oilers have been floated as a possible destination.
This one doesn’t seem likely, considering the Oilers’ needs this season don’t include a player like Hall. Still, he’s a former Hart Trophy winner and has struggled with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. With the Blackhawks reportedly open to retaining salary, Hall’s $6 million cap hit could drop to $3 million. Maybe even more if a third team gets involved.
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