Simmer’s Skate: Canucks JT Miller Trade Follies, Kessel Knocks the Coyotes

Once again, logic prevails over mild hysteria. The rumours this summer surrounding trades for Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller have subsided and the hockey club appears to have settled into the “If you have time, use it” mode that VHN referred to yesterday.

None of this should surprise anyone based on the language used by the club to describe the contract negotiation process and any trade talk. It’s not guaranteed, but the Vancouver Canucks appear to be on a path where the next benchmark for a Miller decision will come at the 2023 NHL trade deadline.

One can follow the progression:

Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin on July 8th.

VHN logic on July 21st.

Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford on July 27th.

That said, having talked to some NHL management types in the know over the last 24 hours, we’ll explore a couple of legitimate Miller trade scenarios, not rumours, later on Saturday. Ones that could happen at any time. Meanwhile …

Let’s Skate!

— One gets the sense the New York Islanders and general manager Lou Lamoriello have closed up shop as it relates to acquiring Miller. NYI Hockey Now’s Stefen Rosner says not so fast. Now is exactly the time to make a deal for JT Miller, he says. This by the way, is not one of the scenarios we’ll be sharing later today, following conversations with multiple NHL GM’s, but that’s not to say we should rule the Islanders out at some point. That’s because Miller’s a fit.

— Florida Hockey Now: The family of ‘Jumbo’ Joe Thornton has said goodbye to Florida via instagram. It appears this might finally be the end of the NHL line for the 1997 1st-overall pick of the Boston Bruins. Back to Switzerland, his lock-out home, next? The 43-year-old played in only 34 games last season and this is likely a bye bye to the big show. Florida Panthers.

— Vegas Hockey Now: Phil Kessel sounds motivated again after signing in Vegas. He also knocked the Coyotes’ for their lack of desire to win. Umm, it was pretty obvious watching them last season, wasn’t it? Laughable at times. Full story. Vegas Golden Knights.

— Washington Hockey Now: Sammi Silber tells us that Dylan Strome is adding a few moves to the arsenal and the Washington Capitals should be excited about it.

Enjoy your Saturday and we’ll see you this early evening.