The Vancouver Canucks were on the ice in Pittsburgh today for a practice ahead of their game against the Penguins tomorrow evening, but the main story today isn’t about what we saw on the ice.

Instead, Canucks fans were sent abuzz when they read on Twitter that forward J.T. Miller wasn’t on the ice for practice today.

With Miller’s name being brought up in almost every Canucks-related trade rumour as of late, fans immediately wondered if Miller was being held from practice for the purpose of a trade.

That doesn’t appear to be the case, as head coach Travis Green told media that the reason for Miller’s absence was just a maintenance day.

This makes complete sense, as Green told reporters last week that Miller was “a little banged up” despite not missing any games this season.

The Miller trade rumours reached a new gear last night, when Ben Kuzma of Postmedia reported that the Minnesota Wild called the Canucks to inquire about acquiring Miller.

Miller likely has the most trade value of any Canuck that the club would consider moveable — but that’s also because he’s been one of their only forwards who has played with some sort of consistency this season.

Losing Miller would certainly hurt this lineup, but in a season in which it seems like the Canucks aren’t going to contend for the playoffs yet again, picking up future assets that will help them next season and beyond may not be such a bad idea.

Here’s how the Canucks lined up at practice today in Miller’s absence — and folks, before you look at it, I’ve got to warn you — it’s pretty bleak.

Okay, I warned you.

Yeah, not much else to say about that other than that hopefully Miller is good to go tomorrow against the Penguins.

Quinn Hughes says everybody knows and keeps track where the team is in the standings, but it’s what they do with that information that matters the most.

“I think everyone keeps track everyone knows where we’re at,” said Hughes. “It’s not counterproductive, but at the same time, you can’t look at that and get down or feel sorry for yourself. Just have to think positively and just worry about what you can control and that’s trying to get a win next game and take it from there.”

Travis Green said there’s a good chance that Luke Schenn will make his return to the lineup tomorrow night after missing the last few games with an injury.

Puck drop is at 4 PM Pacific from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.