On the Devils' Reported Interest in J.T. Miller

J.T. Miller would fill a big need for the New Jersey Devils, but is he worth the risk that comes with him off the ice?

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The New Jersey Devils are in the market for a scorer, and it appears they're thinking big. J.T. Miller is the hottest name in the rumor mill right now, though not necessarily for the right reasons, and it seems the Devils are one team pursuing him.

Elliotte Friedman reported last night that Miller was close to being a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons and that the New York Rangers were close to acquiring him. That fell through, so we'll see where things go and what that means.

On the ice, Miller is a fit for the Devils. There's no question about it, but it's hard to ignore what's going on off the ice and how that should give the Devils serious concerns about acquiring him.

Miller Would Be a Big Boost Offensively

Let's focus on the hockey side of things first. Miller has been one of the most productive players in the NHL over the last three seasons, averaging 34 goals and 96 points per 82 games. He's not having the best 2024-25 campaign, but that shouldn't be shocking, given the turmoil in Vancouver.

Miller was one of the more efficient five-on-five scorers in the league from 2021-2024, averaging 2.25 points per 60 minutes over those three seasons. That's a more efficient rate than Sam Reinhart and Patrik Laine and nearly equal to Jake Guentzel.

The Devils have struggled to score at five-on-five this season, ranking 21st in goals per 60 minutes at that game state. They need someone who can add more offense, and Miller would certainly be that.

Even though he's scored 30-plus goals in each of the last three seasons, Miller isn't the elite finisher the Devils need. However, he is a high-end playmaker. He creates plenty of chances, and his skating is still quite good, even though he's approaching his mid-30s.

While Miller has played center during most of his time with the Canucks, my guess is the Devils would be looking to play him at left wing alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.

Ondřej Palát has held his own with Hughes and Bratt, but let's not sugarcoat it. Miller would be a massive upgrade over Palát on that line. Not only would Miller add more scoring upside, but he's excellent on faceoffs, something Hughes still struggles with.

I imagine that's part of why the Devils are interested in him and see a potential fit alongside Hughes and Bratt. Miller can take draws for Hughes, but Hughes would still operate as the center during live play. It's a win-win for everyone.

More importantly, Miller is a facilitator. The Devils have a few high-end facilitators in Hughes, Bratt, Nico Hischier and even Timo Meier, but they could use more, and Miller is that.