Pucks and Pitchforks
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5 Alternatives to Matthew Tkachuk the New Jersey Devils Should Pursue

By Jonathan Bailey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 04: Timo Meier #28 of the San Jose Sharks poses for a portrait before the 2022 NHL All-Star game at T-Mobile Arena on February 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 04: Timo Meier #28 of the San Jose Sharks poses for a portrait before the 2022 NHL All-Star game at T-Mobile Arena on February 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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J.T. Miller and Conor Garland celebrate a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

J.T. Miller & Conor Garland

The Vancouver Canucks were the NHL’s version of Jekyll and Hyde this season; sometimes really good and sometimes really bad. The New Jersey Devils faced both sides and got a good look at two great wingers that might find themselves on the trade block.

The Canucks fell short of the playoffs, and don’t seem to really know if they’re rebuilding or trying to compete while also presently being nearly $3 million over the cap ceiling. J.T. Miller just had an excellent season carrying the load for the team, but he’s a UFA in 2023 and seems to be poised for a hefty raise from his current $5,250,000 salary.

Conor Garland on the other hand has long been a rumored trade target of the New Jersey Devils, but he makes less sense as an option since his contract won’t expire until 2026. For the right price, I don’t think anyone would be against either of these two as trade targets, even if Miller is to command a raise. Miller and Garland aren’t bonafide stars by any means, but their 200-foot game will go a long way to helping a young Devils team that has struggled at times at both ends of the ice.

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