What We Learned: Vancouver Canucks get their man, but for what?

The will-they-won't-they is over. Turns out, they will.

After months of speculation and trade rumours, the Vancouver Canucks have extended star forward J.T. Miller for seven years, beginning in 2023-24, at an AAV of $8-million.

It's not that Miller isn't an $8-million player, per se. He posted 99 points last season (only 31 of them secondary assists!) and is an elite offensive driver whose defensive impact is better left undiscussed. Rather, this is another rich contract for an older player — Miller will be 30 when this seven-year deal begins — that will potentially preclude future financial flexibility and, more to the point, keep the Canucks spinning their tires.

This contract means the Canucks have some $68.8-million committed to just 14 players for the 2023-24 season, and still have to pr