NHL: J.T. Miller expects to win Cup with Canucks, and Jets sign Sam Gagner
Anthony Scultore
|
J.T. Miller is happily staying put with the Vancouver Canucks after signing a 7-year extension worth $56 million on Friday. His new contract has an AAV of $8 million and comes with a full no-move clause for the first four years (2023-24 through 2026-27). It then becomes modified for the remaining term with a 15 team no-trade list.
“Super-lucky and fortunate. It’s been an amazing week for my family,” Miller said on Saturday. “Looking forward to starting another chapter in Vancouver.”
J.T. Miller expects to win a Cup in Vancouver
Miller, 29, posted 32 goals, 67 assists, and 99 points which were all career highs in 80 games last season. He was also instrumental, along with the hiring of Bruce Boudreau in getting the Canucks out of an early hole and almost into the playoffs.
“It’s a very easy decision for me to want to stay there,” Miller explained. “We have a very good group of players and we could do some special things. I think we’re just scratching the surface with our potential, and it’s one of the main reasons like I said I want to be there.”
Vancouver finished 2021-22 with 92 points on the strength of a 40-30-12 record. Unfortunately the 8-15-2 hole under Travis Green was too much for them to make the wild card. The Nashville Predators claimed the final spot with 97 points.
“It’s a really exciting place, and I think our expectations are to win a Stanley Cup,” Miller added. “We want to be in the playoffs and competing for a Cup. I think with more time and getting to know the guys more, some familiar faces, and the talent we have, I don’t see why it’s not possible.”
The Canucks are expected to improve on last season’s performance with Boudreau behind the bench for a full season. This is the also the second and final year of his contract. A strong campaign will obviously earn him an extension as well.
–The Daily Goal
Jets sign Sam Gagner
The Winnipeg Jets signed veteran forward Sam Gagner to a one-year contract for $750,000 on Friday.
Gagner, 33, joins his seventh NHL franchise and is entering his 16th season in the league.
“I’ve heard great things about Winnipeg, the community, the fan support, and the team. It was a pretty easy decision,” said Gagner, shortly after signing a one-year deal with the Jets. “There are different things you have to weigh with family and where I’m at in my career. I’m really happy with the decision. I think we’re going to have a good team. There is opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting there and getting to work.”
Winnipeg Jets website
He collected 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 81 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings.
Drafted sixth overall by Edmonton in 2007, he has 505 points (184 goals, 321 assists) in 967 games with the Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks and Red Wings.
With the Oilers on Feb. 2, 2012, Gagner had four goals and four assists in an 8-4 win against Chicago. He is the only NHL player since 1989 to score eight or more points in a game.
–Field Level Media