The Vancouver Canucks were given the chance to acquire veteran Mika Zibanejad earlier this year but turned it down.
A new report reveals the New York Rangers approached the Canucks with a straight swap of centremen offer, but the deal was rejected.
“Earlier this season, the Rangers offered struggling centre Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver in return for Miller. The Canucks turned down the offer,” wrote The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.
The Rangers have been linked to Miller multiple times throughout this season so learning an official offer was made is not surprising. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman even alluded to Zibanejad being on the table when he mentioned recently that if the Canucks wanted the 6-foot-2 forward, they could have already gotten him.
It’s an interesting trade that would’ve seen big names going both directions. Miller has been among trade rumours this season as he’s struggled and noise around a reported feud between him and costar Elias Pettersson has increased. The Canucks are reportedly considering trading one of the two players to resolve the situation.
The return on this offer was not enough to get the Canucks to bite. The 31-year-old Zibanejad had 26 goals, 46 assists, and 72 points in 81 games last season. His career-highs include 39 goals and 91 points, both achieved during the 2022-23 campaign.
This year has not gone smoothly for the Swedish veteran. He has just eight goals and 24 points in 39 games. He’s also a dreadful -19 and has been demoted down the Rangers lineup as the team has struggled greatly.
Zibanejad’s contract counts for $8.5 million against the cap per season, making him slightly more expensive than Miller at $8 million. Both deals have three more years left after this one.
While Miller isn’t having a career year thus far, he’s still playing much better than Zibanejad. The Canucks centre has 29 points in 29 games and brings an element of passion and fight that the team sometimes lacks. He’s got points in six of his last seven games and is trending in the right direction.
It’s Miller time! ⏰ pic.twitter.com/vZdemI4oln
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) January 7, 2025
The NHL’s trade deadline is roughly two months away and the Canucks are expected to make a big move before that date. Whether that involves dealing away Miller remains to be seen but it’s clear there are offers out there if management wants them.