3 Rangers players linked to potential J.T. Miller trade.

There have been some very serious rumblings about a potential trade between the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers, one that involves Canucks star forward J.T. Miller.

On Saturday, National Hockey League insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Miller was initially going to be held out of Saturday night's game between the Canucks and Edmonton Oilers for trade related reasons, only to have that potential trade fall apart resulting in a change of plans.

That other team involved in that potential trade is believed to have been the New York Rangers and, although talks have now stalled, it sounds like the Canucks were setting their sights on a big return. In fact Rangers reporter Vince Z. Mercogliano has identified 3 players that the Canucks were targeting in this trade, while squashing one of the more widely reported rumors in the process.

Mercogliano began by shutting down the talk of Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad being involved in this trade in any way, arguing that he does not believe Zibanejad would ever waive his no movement clause.

"But I’ve said before that I don’t see Mika Zibanejad waiving his NMC in season (if ever), so I’d look elsewhere if you’re trying to figure out what the trade package would look like," wrote Mercogliano.

He did however name 3 other players that he believes could be pieces involved in a trade to bring Miller back to the Rangers, all of which indicate the Canucks have high expectations for a return in a Miller trade.

"It’s fairly well known that Vancouver has asked for Braden Schneider and [the Rangers] have repeatedly said no to this point," wrote Mercogliano. "Alexis Lafrenière also feels like a bridge too far. But a name at least one source believes was involved in most recent trade talks: Filip Chytil."

In spite of the fact that Chytil is a former first round pick I simply don't see the Canucks biting on that deal whereas a trade involving Lafreniere or Schneider would certainly peak the Canucks' curiosity. It is perhaps the Rangers refusal to budge on either of those players however that caused this trade to fall apart over the weekend.

Would you make the deal for any of these players and if so what else would you include in the trade? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.