If, which he does not since he loves LI that does not get it done. Pettersson or Isles would look elsewhere.

Barzal is a UFA and can walk for nothing. Pettersson is a RFA and a better player. I understand that you like Barzal. He’s a good player, but so is Miller

Barzal would be an RFA who is a year away from UFA*

Problem is Miller will be signed or gone by then unless Barzal wants out sometime during the coming season. IF it happens it's most likely going to be next season. A sign and trade for Pettersson or another 1/2C is most likely.

Miller will be 30 next season, then due a new contract which will not age well. The Isles do not want that as they already have long term contracts for 30+ forwards in Lee, Nelson, Pageau, and Palmeri.

Barzal will be 25 next season, 26 when he gets his 8 year extension which is a far better situation. In the unlikely case he is moved it is not for a 30 year player, it would be for elite young talent or draft picks.

There is also no reason to explore this as Barzal has stated numerous times he wants to stay here and most likely is already working on a new contract just as Lou did with Pulock last year when he signed him to the 8 year extension a year early.

My bad. I thought Barzal was an UFA next season.

It's a hypothetical scenario based on if he wants out which isn't likely but not farfetched either, but I agree with your points.

Although even if they were willing to take on the older player (they are getting Hoglander as well), the timelines probaly wouldn't match. Miller signing an extension or being traded/hitting free agency will likely happen before or Barzal requests a trade if he were to do it. So from that perspective, there is no point in exploring a Barzal for Miller+ trade (even if it was a larger haul).

If Barzal wants out, teams would line up with Deals that blow this one out of the water, respectfully