The New Jersey Devils are believe to be looking for some scoring and help down the middle before the March 7th NHL trade deadline. Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller’s name has come up in recent speculation, but as we noted yesterday, it’s a move that doesn’t make sense for the Devils.
The 31-year-old Miller is in the second year of a seven-year deal that carries an $8 million cap hit. The Devils currently have $1.234 million in projected salary cap space. Looking at next year’s numbers, they already have $75.75 million committed to 15 players. Any move for Miller would require breaking up their current roster.
Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts Podcast this week said that even though on-ice Miller would be a good for the Devils, the roster juggling to make the contract fit wouldn’t be easy and he’s not convinced a deal is there.
“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about the Devils. You know, here’s the thing, the Rangers, they can they can take Miller at full. They can afford it. They’ve got cap room. The Devils can’t do it without surgery, roster surgery. They have some guys who’ve got no-trade clauses. And you know, they got a good team. (inaudible, talking over each other)
But I think, and overall, you know, I think the one thing about from a purely on-ice fit, I think Miller is a good fit for the Devils, who aren’t, you know, the biggest, toughest team in the league. But again, you’re doing major surgery to your roster, if you’re bringing him in there.
And I think they’re good, like I do think they’re really good. So I’m not convinced it’s the Devils.”
The Devils will be on the lookout for more offense leading up to the trade deadline, but don’t expect them to land Miller.
