The trade tree that sprouted from the JT Miller deal in 2019 has grown into a complex web of transactions, showcasing the dynamic nature of the NHL's off-season moves. This intricate network of deals highlights the interconnectedness of teams and players, with each move having a ripple effect on future trades and team compositions.
One of the key players in this trade tree is Miller himself. After a successful season with the Canucks, he was traded to the New York Rangers in a deal that sent shockwaves through the league. The Rangers acquired Miller, along with Erik Brännström and Jackson Dorrington, in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a 2025 first-round pick. This pick was then flipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who used it to select Jack Nesbitt.
The Penguins' involvement in this trade tree continued as they traded Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick in the 2028 draft, just a month after acquiring him. This move set off a chain reaction, with the Penguins also trading Danton Heinen to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Egor Chinakov. The Blue Jackets then used a second-round pick to acquire Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche.
The trade tree's impact extended beyond the initial deal. The Canucks, in a strategic move, sent Marcus Pettersson to the Rangers for a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2030. This pick was then used by the Penguins to select Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff, further intertwining the teams' futures.
The trade tree's complexity is further exemplified by the journey of Shakir Makhamadullin. The Russian defenseman was initially acquired by the New Jersey Devils, but he never suited up for them. Instead, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he was part of a package that brought Timo Meier to the team. This deal involved a series of subsequent trades, with Makhamadullin eventually ending up with the Edmonton Oilers alongside Zachary Sharp, in exchange for Darnell Nurse.
As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, the trade tree's branches will continue to grow and intertwine. The players and picks involved in these deals will shape the league's landscape, with each move having a lasting impact on the teams' fortunes. The JT Miller trade tree stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of NHL trades, where a single deal can spark a chain reaction of strategic moves and player movements.
