Joined: Jun. 2022
Posts: 65
Likes: 29
I don't think either team ever does this, but I think it's a harder no from Van than SJ.
From Van's perspective: Trading away Miller to most other markets, considering the starting price has been set since February, means a young roster player, a prospect with good potential and a 1st rounder, and it sounds like there will be a bidding war at the draft for Miller. You're only getting one of those pieces in Meier, and you're giving up draft capital to do it. Very few teams trade a near 99 point player with centre capability and a 2nd rounder for anything, let alone a more expensive, less consistent winger only 3 years younger that's also on an expiring contract. I like Meier as a player, he's a new age power forward, but this deal is a non starter.
From SJ's perspective: Meier is one of the few younger, high quality pieces on the roster that can transition a rebuilt roster and be a leader once contracts like Couture, Burns, Vlasic and Karlsson come off the books. You don't give that up to get older with where the franchise is at, even if it's acquiring a player like Miller. Plus, if stat trends are anything to be considered, it's going to be much more expensive to extend Miller than Meier, and if Miller falls off around 32-35 but he gets the 6-8 year contract he wants, SJ finds themselves in the same situation they are now, too much money committed to a window that's been slammed shut.