Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks got some good news as center J.T. Miller is expected to return to their lineup as early as their Dec. 12 game against the Florida Panthers. Miller, 31, has been on an indefinite leave of absence since Nov. 19.
Miller’s absence recently prompted speculation over the reason for his departure. It also led to some trade speculation.
Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford told reporters last week that he wanted the rumors to stop, calling them “baseless” and “disrespectful.” He said the Canucks stood by Miller and had no intention of trading him.
On Nov. 19, The Province‘s Patrick Johnston wrote that it seems like the veteran center was trying to play through an upper-body injury, but he needed time to reset emotionally.
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Turning to the Dallas Stars, Tyler Seguin will be out of the lineup for four to six months, recuperating from hip surgery. Some pundits are pondering what GM Jim Nill will do to offset the 32-year-old forward’s absence.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported last Thursday that Nill intends to address the issue from within for now. However, he thinks the Stars GM could place Seguin and his $9.85-million cap hit on long-term injury reserve and use the cap savings to pursue an experienced top-six forward near the March 7 trade deadline.
LeBrun suggested Brock Nelson as a trade target if the New York Islanders decide to peddle the pending UFA center by the deadline. Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claimed the Stars’ Western Conference opponents believe Nill will take advantage of LTIR cap space to bolster his roster for the playoffs and then welcome Seguin back during the post-season.
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As of Dec. 10, PuckPedia indicated the Stars had over $6.5 million in projected trade deadline cap space, with Seguin currently on injured reserve. Nill doesn’t have to go the LTIR route if he can find a decent return that fits within that existing cap room. Nevertheless, the Stars are in “win now” mode, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Nill attempted to load up.
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