Monday Mailbag: The next goalie up, what Miller could return from top contenders, and where’s Rathbone?

We’re back at it with another Monday mailbag. The Canucks continue to deal with COVID problems and we’ve been following along from the sidelines.

We’ve had a busy news week and are excited to see what is coming in the mailbag this week.

Let’s bust that bag open and see what the wonderful people of Canucks Twitter had to ask this week.

Probably not.

The semi-finals onwards may end up being some good hockey and there will likely be some fun stories to come along but I won’t be getting up for some of those games if they are early in the mini-tournament.

Jack Rathbone entered COVID protocol during the week before Saturday and Sunday’s games.

He should be back for their next games this weekend.

Well, Alex Chiasson is a guy with size who could be a net-front presence on a team’s power play. He may be able to fetch a seventh-round pick at the deadline if a team wants to add to their forward depth.

I’d be a bit surprised if he was able to get a pick back but I’d be very happy if the Chiasson experience ended with a draft pick coming to the Canucks.

Come back next week.

COVID protocol is stupid.

The New York Rangers make the most sense as they have the cap space to take on J.T. Miller and could really use a boost to their centre depth by adding Miller.

Braden Schneider seems to be the prospect that keeps having his name around the Miller to NYR rumours. As a 6’2”, right-shot defenceman, he’s already won over Canucks fans. There would definitely need to be added draft picks into the trade and maybe even another prospect from the Rangers’ pipeline.

The Los Angeles Kings are another team to keep an eye on. Last week, I mentioned Brock Faber being a piece that could be involved with some draft picks to swap for Miller. I’d keep an eye out there, the question is if the Canucks are unwilling to trade within their division. This would be stupid by the way, you shouldn’t worry about trading in Division if you’re confident in the trade.

I’d keep my eyes on the St. Louis Blues as well. They may not have the prospect pool to make a big move but they do have picks and should be very interested in the services of Miller. If the Canucks were to hold onto half of Miller’s salary, that may be able to pluck Jake Neighbours and a pair of picks out of the Blues for Miller at this coming deadline.

We all know that the Colorado Avalanche are a cup contender and adding Miller would be huge for them. You’re not likely to get Alex Newhook or Bowen Byram out of the Avs but there are some other prospects of note. I’d target 20-year-old defenceman Justin Barron, who’s currently playing in the AHL.

If it’s a forward you’re after, the Avs also have Oskar Olausson in their prospect pool. The teenager is off to a great start in the OHL after getting time in the SHL last year. He’s a great piece to add to a package.

Because the man gets it.

Bruce has come in and won this city over with everything he does. Of course he’s going to wear only Canuck-coloured suits.

Everyone knows that after university goalies, they just take the youngest buck from the media box.

Quads is about three more goalies away.

The Los Angeles Kings have Brock Faber.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have Jack Thompson.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have Nathan Legare.

There are some RD prospects who could be available and that is a target that the Canucks should look for when it comes to a Miller/Motte trade.

Well, that wraps up another Monday mailbag. We will be back next Monday with a new crop of questions and another run of answers.

Until then, stay safe and enjoy Canucks hockey.